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SECTION 100
TABLE OF CONTENTS
WYNONA SCHOOL DISTRICT
101 Establishment of the School District
101..R.1 Organizational Chart
101..R.2 District Boundaries
102 Mission of the School District
103 Philosophy of Education
104 Goals and Objectives
105 Statement of Equal Educational and Employment Opportunity
105..R.1 Assurance and Notification of Equal Opportunities
105..R.2 Grievance Report
105..R.3 Appeal Form
101 ESTABLISHMENT
OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT
Wynona School District, Osage County, was established by a vote of the electorate. After certification of the vote, the State Board of Education recognized the district to begin operation under the laws of the State of Oklahoma and the supervision and administration of the State Department of Education.
The legal basis for education in Wynona School District is vested in the will of the people, as expressed in the State of Oklahoma Constitution, the statutes pertaining to education and court interpretation of these laws.
The authority of the board is to be transmitted through the superintendent along specific paths from person to person as shown by organizational charts for the district. The lines of authority in the charts represent direction of authority and responsibility. All such charts should be regarded as visual representations of policy.
102
MISSION OF
WYNONA SCHOOL DISTRICT
The education of its students is the primary objective of this district. Education is both a right and a privilege and all students attending this school are entitled to grow intellectually, morally and physically into self-sufficient citizens who contribute to our democratic society.
The mission of Wynona Public School District is to provide a learning environment that respects the individual needs of its students and helps them to reach their full potential.
Wynona Board of Education is responsible on behalf of the people of this district to establish, maintain and continually improve the public schools. As the designee to accomplish our goals, the board of education acts in a regulatory and service capacity through its superintendent of schools.
Representing the citizens of this school district, the board will provide a cohesive plan of resources to assure that all children graduate, with abilities to read, think and communicate, as productive citizens in the twenty-first century. The board will involve the Oklahoma State Department of Education, other educational agencies, and citizens, teachers, and students of the district in pursuit of these long-range goals and activities.
References: Standard 1, Standards for Accreditation of Oklahoma Schools, State Department of Education, 2002
Note: State Department of Education requires a mission statement policy.
103
PHILOSOPHY
We believe…
All Students can learn and succeed
Success breeds success.
Schools control the conditions of success.
The following statements reflect Wynona School District philosophy, and will serve as a guide in formulating district policy, administrative rules, and regulations.
Wynona Board of Education members believe the American public school was originally established to provide youth with opportunities for desired mental, physical, social, and emotional development. This time-honored concept continues at the present, and developing those fundamental skills essential to successful living shall be major objective of Wynona Public Schools.
The public school district’s program of education must receive continuous study due to the nature of constant and changing demands placed on it by a dynamic society. This study is required in order to ensure that the school’s curriculum program be better adapted to meet both the individual, and the common, needs of children. A focal point for such a study would logically center on a look at the school’s educational philosophy; this, in turn, should provide a reference point for planning curriculum.
Statements of Philosophy
Wynona Board of Education believes each child develops mentally, physically, socially, and emotionally at his or her own rate. This growth is a continuous process that can be both molded and directed. Thus, in planning educational experiences, and in adapting teaching methods to meet individual growth patterns, the school must guide the child at his rate of maturation and learning potential.
Wynona Board of Education believes that a school district’s curriculum must be defined to include the total experiences a child has while under the direction of the school. Children differ in attitudes, in interests, and in abilities; it is the school’s responsibility, therefore, to provide a well-organized, flexible, and varied program of classroom and classroom-oriented activities and experiences. Such activities and experiences should provide the basis from which can be developed those understandings, attitudes, appreciations, habits, and ideals, as well as knowledge and skills required for successful living in our American democratic society
Wynona Board of Education believes the school should place emphasis on the concept of democracy, and should work to develop youth who are competent and diligent in assuming the obligations, the rights, and the responsibilities of citizenship. This objective requires a program that stresses the meaning of democracy; that will create opportunities for student participation in democratic living; that will provide democratic classroom organization and procedures; and will provide for the development of those skills, attitudes, understandings, and appreciations necessary for effective citizenship.
Wynona Board of Education believes the school should provide experiences to help develop those moral and ethical values essential for a well-integrated personality, which will be satisfactory to one’s own self, as well as to his society. Those values, when applied to human behavior, should exalt and refine one’s life and bring it into accord with accepted standards of social conduct, approved in a democratic culture. Values such as courage, integrity, kindness, fair play, dependability, self-discipline, appreciation for the rights of others, and respect for ethical standards are all basic.
104
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
Wynona Board of Education believes educational goals and objectives must be established at all grade levels in the school system, from kindergarten through the senior high. These objectives must then receive constant and continuous thought and attention. The following list of objectives shall serve as a guide in the development of the district’s curriculum.
1. To provide the child a well-balanced program of learning experiences so that he may develop the ability to read, write, listen, speak, think, and observe with a purpose.
2. To guide the child in gaining command of the functional processes, habits, knowledge, skills, attitudes, and appreciations essential to effective learning.
3. To provide for each child learning experiences that can be undertaken and achieved with a reasonable degree of success.
4. To provide the child appropriate learning experiences that will help develop moral and ethical values, acceptable as approved standards for social conduct.
5. To develop in each child the appreciation, understanding, and creative awareness of the esthetic aspects of the environment about him.
6. To guide the child in experiences in which he recognizes and understands the provision of individual differences.
7. To provide the child experiences that will prepare him to live healthfully, successfully, and responsibly in a rapidly changing world.
8. To provide for a gradual transition of appropriate learning experiences from the pre-adolescent’s education to those suited to the needs and interests of young adolescents.
9. To help youth discover and explore their specialized talents, interests, and abilities, and apply these to educational opportunities and to life’s future plans.
10. To promote within youth a concept of civic responsibility, courtesy, respect, tolerance, cooperation, and desirable attitudes toward self and others.
11. To help youth develop a continuously widening range of awareness and interest in the cultural, social, civic, and recreational areas.
12. To assist youth in the selection of educational program offerings that will be valuable in their preparation for everyday living, for continued education, and for gainful employment.
13. To help youth understand the rights and responsibilities of citizenship in a democratic society, and to be diligent and competent in the performance of obligations as a member of a family, as a citizen of a community, a state, a nation, and the world.
14. To utilize both the human and the natural resources of the community in expanding and enriching the district’s curriculum.
105
STATEMENT OF EQUAL
EDUCATIONAL AND EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
Wynona School District, District I-2, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, age, qualified handicap, religion, socio-economic status or veteran status in its admission to educational programs, services or activities, in access to them, in treatment of individuals or in any aspect of their operations. Wynona School District does not discriminate in its hiring or employment practices.
This notice is provided as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1975, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Questions, complaints or requests for additional information regarding these laws may be forwarded to the superintendent of schools and/or coordinator of Title IX and Section 504 responsibilities, Wynona Public Schools, P O Box 700, Wynona, OK 74084. The superintendent has been designated by the board to coordinate the school district’s efforts to comply with this assurance.
Notification of this policy shall be made to students, parents, employees and the general public prior to the beginning of each school year.
References: Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
Title IX , Education Amendments, 1972
Age Discrimination Act, 1975
105..R.1
REGULATION ASSURANCE AND NOTIFICATION
OF EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES
Local Assurances
Generally, a grievance is defined as any allegation of non-compliance with the law. The initial approach to solving a grievance should be to talk with the building principal. In most cases, concerns can be resolved at this level. However, if further assistance is needed, the following steps are to be used in any complaint or grievance.
Step l: The complainant must present, in written form, the complaint to the office of the superintendent within ten (10) working days of the alleged incident. Use Grievant Report 105..R.2.
Step 2: The superintendent shall have five (5) working days to investigate and respond to the complainant. Use Grievance Report 105..R.2.
Step 3: If not satisfied, the complainant may appeal within ten (10) working days to the local board of education, which will hear the complaint at the next regular public meeting or within thirty (30) calendar days. Use Appeal 105..R.3.
The local board hearing shall be conducted so as to accord due process to all parties involved in the complaint with written notice of hearing dates, right to council, right to present witnesses, right to cross examine, and the present written statements. The decision of the board shall be by a majority of the members in attendance.
Step 4: The local board of education shall respond to the complainant within thirty (30) calendar days. Use Appeal 105..R.3.
Step 5: If the complainant is not satisfied with the local board of education’s decision, an appeal may be made to the State Board of Education.
Assurance Forms
§ The Office of Civil Rights, US Department of Education, requires assurance forms to be filed before an application for federal assistance can be approved.
§ The forms are kept on file and are in force as long as the recipient continues to receive federal financial assistance.
§ Recipients are prohibited from subcontracting with another entity that discriminates against protected class members.
§ The recipient must also assure that it does not engage in discriminatory practices indirectly by hiring another entity to do what it could do directly if that hiring of another entity would result in discrimination.
§ The recipient is prohibited from participating in a contractual or other arrangement or relationship that has the effect of subjecting the covered entity’s own qualified applicant or employee with a disability to discriminate.
§ These assurances will be mailed to Office of Civil Rights, US Department of Education, 1200 Main Tower Building, Suite 2260, Dallas, Texas 75202-9998.
§ A file copy shall be maintained in the district assurance files.
Notification
§ Prior to the beginning of each school year, the district shall provide students, parents, employees and the general public with a notice that the district does not discriminate.
§ A shorter version of the policy notification shall be included on bulletins, course announcements, catalogs, application forms, enrollment forms, brochures and recruitment or promotional materials.
Reference: Title VI, Office of Civil Rights Act, 1964
Title IX, Education Amendments, 1972
Section 504, Rehabilitation Act, 1973
Americans with Disabilities Act, 1990
105..R.2
REGULATION GRIEVANCE REPORT
Wynona Public Schools Grievance Report
Name of Complainant: _______________________________________________________
Date of Complaint: __________________________________________________________
Statement of complaint (Attach additional sheets as necessary.)
______________________________
Signature of Compliant
Date received by Superintendent __________________________________________________
Recommendation:
Date response given: ____________________________________________________________
_____________________________
Signature of Superintendent
105..R.3
REGULATION APPEAL FORM
Wynona Public Schools
Appeal Form
Name of Complainant: __________________________________________________________
Date of Appeal: _______________________________________________________
Reason for Appeal:
_______________________
Signature of Complainant
Date received by the clerk of the board: _____________________________________________
Recommendations of the board of education:
Date recommendations given: _____________________________________________________
______________________________
Signature of Board President
Section -200
Table of Contents
SECTION 200 TABLE OF CONTENTS
BOARD OF EDUCATION
201 Organization of the Board of Education Five-member Board
202 Powers and Responsibilities of the Board of Education
203 Authority and Voting of the Board of Education 204 Board of Education: Duties of Officers and Members
205 Board of Education Minutes Clerk
206 Meetings of the Board of Education
206..R.1 Rules of Order
206..R.2 Agenda Format for Board of Education
206..R.3 Request to be Placed on the Agenda of the Board of Education
207 Agenda Preparation and Dissemination
208 Notification of Board Meetings
209 Executive Sessions of the Board
210 Board Votes Relating to Conflict of Interest
211 Public Participation at School Board Meetings
211..R.1 Standards for Public Participation at School Board Meetings
212 Open Record
212..R.1 Open Records Act Enforcement Guidelines
213 Resolving School-Related Conflicts
214 Adoption and Review of Policy
215 Action in the Absence of Policy
216 School District Documents as Policy
217 Media Relations and News Releases
201
ORGANIZATION OF
THE BOARD OF EDUCATION
Legal Status
The governing body of Wynona School District is designated and known as Wynona Public School Board of Education.
Membership
The board of education is a corporate body and consists of five (5) members, each living in the school district as prescribed by law. Each member shall be elected by the voters of the district to serve a term of five (5) years or the completion of a five-year term of a member who does not serve the full five years.
Vacancy
Any vacancy occurring during the first half of any board member's term of office shall be filled as follows: The remaining members of the board shall appoint a qualified individual to fill the office until the next election. If the appointment is not made within sixty (60) days, the board shall call for a special election to fill such office.
If a vacancy occurs during the last half of a board member’s term, the remaining members of the board shall appoint a qualified individual to fill the office. The appointed individual may serve the balance of the unexpired term. If the appointment is not made within sixty (60) days, the board shall call for a special election to fill such office.
Terms of Office
Seat # 3 shall be elected in 2013
Seat # 4 shall be elected in 2014
Seat # 5 shall be elected in 2015
Seat # 1 shall be elected in 2016
Seat # 2 shall be elected in 2012
Seating
A new board member elected shall be seated at the beginning of the first regular, special or emergency school board meeting after the date of the annual school election and after the member has been certified as elected.
Election of Officers
At the first regular, special or emergency meeting after the annual school board election and certification of election of new members, the board shall organize itself by the election from among its members a president, a vice-president and a clerk. At its discretion, the board may appoint a deputy clerk. The deputy clerk may perform any of the duties and exercise any of the powers of the clerk.
Oath of Office
Each member of the board of education and the treasurer shall take and subscribe to the following oath:
I, __(Name of officer)___, do hereby declare under oath that I will faithfully perform the duties of ___(name of position)_ of Wynona School District to the best of my ability and that I will faithfully discharge all of the duties pertaining to said office and obey the Constitution and laws of the United States of America and the State of Oklahoma.
202
POWERS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION
Powers
The general functions of Wynona Board of Education are the powers delegated to the board by the State Legislature. Included in those powers is the authority to perform all functions necessary to the administration of the school district as specified in the Oklahoma School Code and, additionally, the powers necessarily implied but not delegated by law to another agency or official. These policies and decisions are made according to state and federal laws, State Board of Education regulations, and court decisions.
General functions of the board of education are the school program, financial control, school plant, community relations and personnel. Primarily, the board determines policies and makes decisions necessary to implement an effective education program.
Responsibilities
As the elected body responsible for the operation of the school district, the board has the task of carrying out the state's responsibility for the children's education in the local district. School laws enumerate the powers and duties of the board. The board has broad authority to establish school policies to provide an education for the children it serves, even without specific statutory authority, if the power can be fairly implied from statute and is essential to the declared objectives and purposes of the school district. The board shall select a chief executive officer who serves as the superintendent of schools.
Meetings
Meetings of the board shall be held in an orderly, professional manner. Robert’s Rules of Order shall be used to conduct business of the board.
Reference: 70 O.S. 5-106 (Section 55, School Laws of Oklahoma)
70 O.S. 5-117 (Section 68, School Laws of Oklahoma)
Standards for Accreditation of Oklahoma Schools, State Department of Education, 2002.
HB 2785, 1998 Legislative Session
203
AUTHORITY AND VOTING
OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION
Members of Wynona Board of Education have the authority of a board only when acting as a member of the board in legal session. The board will not be bound by any statements or action of an individual board member or school employee, except when such statement or action is in pursuance of board policy or specific instruction of the board, as recorded in board minutes.
Decisions approved by a majority of a quorum of the board, acting in a legal meeting of the board, shall be considered legal board decisions. A quorum shall consist of a majority of the board. A vote shall be either "aye," "nay," "present" or "abstain." A vote of "present" or "abstain" shall not be counted as either "aye" or "nay." However, in order for a motion to pass, "aye" votes must be made by a majority of the members present.
204
BOARD OF EDUCATION
DUTIES OF OFFICERS AND MEMBERS
Positions of Wynona Board of Education shall consist of president, vice-president, clerk and member.
The term for these positions shall begin at the first regular meeting after the annual election.
President
The president of the board of education shall preside over all meetings of the board, appoint board members to serve on committees as needed, sign all warrants approved to be drawn upon school funds and sign all certified tax levies. When a school district committee has a board member as a representative, the president shall appoint the board member. The president shall perform other duties as delegated by state law.
Vice-President
The vice-president of the board of education shall perform all duties of the president in the event of his or her absence or disability, including presiding over all regular, special or emergency meetings of the board.
Absence of President and Vice-President Should both the president and the vice-president be absent at the time appointed for the meeting to convene, and should a quorum be present, a president pro-tempore shall be elected to serve for such meeting or until either the president or vice-president appears.
Clerk
The clerk of the board of education shall countersign all warrants drawn upon the treasurer of the district. The clerk, at the direction of the board, may destroy all claims, warrants, contracts, purchase orders, financial records, or documents relating to funds, including activity funds, if they have been on file for a period of five (5) or more years.
In compliance with state law, the clerk shall administer the Political Subdivisions Ethics Act, with respect to candidates for school district office. The clerk will oversee the filing of all campaign contributions and expenditure reports filed by school board candidates, including the name of each candidate's designated agent, and perform such other duties as the board may require and as permitted by law.
If appointed, the deputy clerk shall exercise the same powers as a clerk.
Member
All the members of the board shall perform all functions necessary to the governance of Wynona School District as specified in Oklahoma School Code.
Staff Relationship
Neither the board of education nor individual board members shall transact official business with professional staff members or other school employees except through the superintendent.
205
BOARD OF EDUCATION
MINUTES CLERK
Wynona Board of Education shall employ a Minutes Clerk to keep an accurate journal of the proceedings of the board of education and perform such other duties as the board of education or its committees may require. The Minutes Clerk shall be bonded in the amount of $1000.00.
No member of the board, superintendent, principal, instructor or teacher employed by the board shall be qualified to serve as Minutes Clerk. However, the Minutes Clerk may serve as the encumbrance clerk.
The Minutes Clerk shall keep complete records of board meetings to include the following:
• A complete record of members present and absent
• All matters considered by the board
• All actions taken by the board, including resolutions and motions in full
Minutes shall also reflect compliance with Oklahoma Open Meeting Act. Copies of the minutes of a meeting shall be sent to members of the board before the meeting at which they are to be approved. Corrections of the minutes may be made at the meeting at which they are approved. The board president and the board clerk shall sign permanent minutes.
206
MEETINGS
OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION
Regular meetings of the board of education of Wynona School District shall be on the second Monday of each month or as determined by the board and reported to the county clerk. The president of the board or a majority of the membership of the board may call special or emergency meetings.
All regular, special, and emergency meetings of the board shall be held in accordance with the Oklahoma Open Meeting Act. Board discussions on certain issues specified by law may be held in executive session. No votes will be taken in executive session.
All regular, special, and emergency meetings of the board of education shall be open to the public. Any regular meeting shall include an opportunity for members of the public to address the board. To have an item placed on the agenda of the board meeting and to permit possible action by the board, the item must be given to the superintendent or the board president at least five business days prior to the time of the meeting.
A majority of the board membership shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. Each member, including each officer, of the board shall have one vote. All votes shall be taken by an audible roll call vote.
Board members shall have the authority of the board only when acting as a member of the board in a legal session.
The office of the clerk of the board shall be located in the office of the superintendent. All fiscal records, personnel records, legal papers, board minutes, and all other such records shall be kept in accordance with state law and State Department of Education regulations.
Reference: 70 O.S. 5-118 (Section 76, School Laws of Oklahoma)
Oklahoma Open Meeting Act, 25 O.S. 115, and 25 O.S. 301 through 314
(Sections 522 through 537, School Laws of Oklahoma)
206..R.1
REGULATION
RULES OF ORDER
Wynona Board of Education shall follow these rules of order in its meetings.
1. A quorum being present, the president, or if absent, the vice-president, shall take the chair, call the meeting to order and proceed to business.
2. Should both the president and the vice-president be absent at the time appointed for the meeting to convene, and should a quorum be present, a president pro-tempore shall be elected to serve for such meeting or until either the president or vice-president shall appear.
3. All regular meetings shall follow the order of business set by the board. See Regulation 2.
4. The president may make or second a motion.
5. The president shall decide questions of order.
6. A motion may be seconded and must then be repeated distinctly by the president or read aloud before it is debated. Every motion shall be reduced to writing if the president or any member shall so require.
7. Any member shall have liberty to withdraw a motion, with the consent of his/her second, before any debate has been had thereon, but not after such debate has been had without leave being granted by the board.
8. The consideration of any question may be postponed to a time fixed or the question may be suppressed altogether by an indefinite postponement.
9. When any business is brought regularly before the board, the consideration of the same shall not be interrupted except by motion for adjournment, to lay on the table, for the previous question, for postponement, for commitment or for amendment.
10. A motion for adjournment shall always be in order and shall be decided without debate except that it cannot be entertained when the board is voting on another question or while a member is addressing the board.
11. As per school law, the minutes clerk shall record each yes and no on each question voted on by the membership.
12. The first person recognized by the president as desiring to speak shall have the right to the floor.
13. The officers of the board shall also perform such other duties as may from time to time be lawfully required of them either through the adoption of permanent rules or other lawful action of the board.
14. All meetings, except executive session, of the board are open to the public.
206..R.2
REGULATION AGENDA FORMAT OF BOARD OF EDUCATION
Wynona Board of Education Regular Session
(Building and Room in which the meeting is to be held)
(Street Address of building)
(Name of Town, Oklahoma)
Agenda
Date:
Note: Wynona Board of Education may discuss, vote to approve, vote to disapprove, vote to table, vote to decide or not vote on any item on the agenda.
1.Call to Order
2. Roll Call of Members
3. Communications
a. Written petitions or communications
b. Introduction of delegations
c. Hearings from the public
4. Reading and/or approval of minutes of previous meeting.
5. Financial report and payment of bills
a. Receive treasurer’s report
b. Opening of bids
c. Approve encumbrances
d. Other
6. Unfinished business
7. New business
8. Reports from the superintendent and staff
9. General announcements/informal items.
10. Personnel matters
11. Adjournment
206.R.3
REGULATION REQUEST TO BE PLACED ON THE AGENDA
OF THE WYNONA BOARD OF EDUCATION
Wynona Public Schools
Request To Be Placed on the Agenda
of the Wynona Board of Education
Person requesting to be on the agenda: ______________________________________________ Date of Meeting: _______________________________________________________________
Background information:
Action Requested:_____________________________
Signature of Requestor
_____________________________
Date
Approved: ______________________ Disapproved: ______________________
________________________________ __________________________________
President of the Board Superintendent
Date of Approval or Disapproval: __________________________________________________
207
AGENDA
PREPARATION AND DISSEMINATION
The agenda of Wynona Board of Education shall be prepared by the superintendent and may be revised by the president of the board of education before posting. The agenda shall be posted in a prominent public view at least 24 hours prior to the meeting. This 24-hour posting provision at the principal office of the district does not include Saturdays, Sundays or holidays. Members of the board may request items be placed on the agenda by notifying the superintendent in writing five business days before the meeting.
Only the superintendent and board members may place an item on the agenda. Items requested by any board member shall be automatically placed on the agenda. Any citizen or organization may request the board to consider matters. Their request shall be made in writing at least five business days prior to the meeting.
Written notice of the date, time, and place of the meeting will be mailed or delivered to each member of the board and to any newspaper or other media representative that has filed a written request for such notice.
208
NOTIFICATION
OF BOARD MEETINGS
In compliance with state law, prior to December 15 of each year, Wynona Board of Education shall provide the county clerk a list of the time, date, and place of all regular meetings for the coming calendar year. Any change in the date, time or place of a regular meeting will be provided in writing to the county clerk at least ten days prior to the implementation of the change.
All meetings shall be held at specified times and places and shall be preceded by public notice of the meeting in the form of a posted agenda specifying the time and place of the meeting as well as the subject matter or matters to be considered. Such agenda shall be posted at least twenty-four hours before the meeting (excluding Saturday, Sunday and holidays). Such notice shall be posted in prominent public view at the office of the school district.
Public notice of special meetings shall be given at least forty-eight hours prior to the meetings and shall be given in writing, in person or by telephone to the county clerk and to any press representative that has filed a written request for such notice. Such public notice shall be posted at least 24 hours before the meeting in the same manner as that of a regular meeting.
In the event of an emergency, an emergency meeting may be held without the public notice required for other meetings, but as much advance public notice as is reasonable and possible will be provided in person, by telephone, or by fax.
The board at its meeting may consider no item not included on the agenda unless it is new business. "New business," as defined by law, shall mean any matter not known about or which could not have been reasonably foreseen prior to the time of posting. "New business" is allowed only at regular meetings of the board.
209
EXECUTIVE SESSIONS
OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION
In accordance with state law, Wynona Board of Education may vote to meet in executive session for the following reasons:
§ To discuss the employment, hiring, appointment, promotion, demotion, disciplining, or resignation of any salaried employee or volunteer of the school district
§ To discuss negotiations concerning employees and representatives of employee groups
§ To discuss the purchase or appraisal of real property
§ To discuss pending investigations, claims, or actions with the board's attorney
§ To hear evidence and discuss expulsion or suspension of a student, upon request by the student, his parent, attorney or legal guardian
§ To discuss the matters involving a specific child with a disability
§ To discuss issues which, if disclosed, would violate confidentiality requirements of state or federal law (such as student records)
§ To discuss the following:
§ The investigation of a plan or scheme to commit an act of terrorism;
§ Assessments of the vulnerability of government facilities or public improvements to an act of terrorism;
§ Plans for deterrence or prevention of or protection from an act of terrorism;
§ Plans for response or remediation after an act of terrorism;
§ Information technology of the District but only if the discussion specifically identifies:
§ Design or functional schematics that demonstrate the relationship or connections between devices or systems;
§ System configuration information;
§ Security monitoring and response equipment placement and configuration;
§ Specific location or placement of systems, components or devices;
§ System identification numbers, names, or connecting circuits;
§ Business continuity and disaster planning, or response plans, or
§ Investigation information directly related to security penetrations or denial of services, or
§ The investigation of an act of terrorism that has already been committed.
For purposes of this section, “terrorism” means any act encompassed by the definitions set forth in Section 1268.1 of Title 21 of the Oklahoma Statutes.
Also in compliance with state law, the board will convene in executive session only when an executive session is listed on the board's agenda. The proposal for an executive session will contain sufficient information to advise the public that an executive session will be proposed, what will be discussed, and what action may be taken on the matters discussed. The board may meet in executive session under "New Business" if the item considered appropriately fits under new business and is an appropriate subject for executive session.
The agenda items will state the provision of Section 307 of the law authorizing the executive session (For example, 25 O.S. Section 307 (B)(1)).
Any board vote pertaining to the executive session will be taken in open session.
210
BOARD VOTES RELATING TO
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
Nepotism
Any member of Wynona Board of Education who is related to an employee of the district within the second degree of consanguinity or affinity shall not attend or participate in any regular or executive session held to consider any personnel matter or litigation relating to said employee. However, the member may vote on contract renewals as a group if the vote is necessary to form a quorum of the board. If more than one member is related to an employee, the minimum number of those necessary to form a quorum shall be allowed to vote. The member(s) being allowed to vote will be determined by a coin toss.
Business
A board member shall not have any direct financial interest in a contract with the district, nor shall he/she directly furnish any labor, equipment or supplies to the district. In the event a board member is employed by a corporation or business or has a secondary interest in a corporation or business which furnishes goods or services to the district, the board member shall declare this interest and refrain from debating or voting upon the question or contracting with the company. However, the board may purchase supplies or materials from or contract with businesses employing a board member or spouse of the member if the individual does not have more than a 5% ownership interest in the business.
This policy is designed to prevent placing a board member in a position in which his/her interest in the district and his/her place of employment might conflict and to avoid appearances of conflict of interest that may or may not exist.
References: Nepotism policy required by Oklahoma Statutes 70 O.S. 5-113.1
70 O.S. 5-124
62 O.S. 371 (Section 639 School Laws of Oklahoma)
SB 331, 1997 Legislative Session
211
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
AT SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS
All regular, special and emergency meetings of Wynona Board of Education shall be open to the public. The board, in its efforts to learn the viewpoints and concerns of the patrons of the district, will provide opportunities for the patrons to communicate with the board. A procedure developed to allow optimum efficiency of the school board meeting as well as extensive opportunity for questions and comments by patrons shall be in place at all times.
A public participation time will be available at all regular meetings and at special and emergency meetings at the discretion of the board president. The president of the board shall recognize speakers, maintain proper order, and establish and comply with time limits, if needed. Board members and administrative staff are not required to respond to questions from the public, since doing so could be in violation of the Open Meeting Act. The board will not vote on items discussed on the public participation section unless the item is already on the agenda or the item meets the legal requirement of new business.
Reference: 25 O.S. 302 (Section 523, School Laws of Oklahoma)
25 O.S. 303 (Section 524, School Laws of Oklahoma)
25 O.S. 311 (Section 533, School Laws of Oklahoma)
211..R.1
REGULATION
STANDARDS FOR PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
AT SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS
Wynona Board of Education wishes to be responsive to the public and to encourage patron attendance and participation at board meetings. In order to effect efficient and businesslike meetings, the board of education sets the following standards for patrons attending board meetings.
1. The clerk of the board will ask all visitors to identify themselves and list their names.
2. The board will permit discussion with audience participation at the board’s discretion. When such discussion is allowed, the amount of time allowed for discussion will be five (5) minutes for an individual and ten (10) minutes for a group to address the board. Discussion will terminate at the end of that time limit.
3. No action will be taken by the board on any item addressed which is not on the agenda for the current meeting unless the issue is legally appropriate as new business. New business is any matter that could not have been foreseen by the board, the staff or any patron prior to posting the agenda. New business is only allowed at regular meetings.
4. The board will not permit verbal attacks on any school personnel, nor discuss individuals by name, nor permit slanderous remarks against any such individual. In that event, discussion will automatically terminate.
5. The board will not hear personnel complaints unless proper legal and administrative procedures concerning complaints have been followed.
6. No speeches for or against candidates for political office will be permitted.
7. The clerk of the board will provide, in writing, answers to individuals or to a group spokesman, when directed to do so by a majority vote of the board of education.
8. Questions may be referred to the superintendent for a later report to the board. The board may also choose to place such items on the agenda of a later meeting.
Reference: 25 O.S. 311 (Section 533, School Laws of Oklahoma)
212
OPEN RECORDS
Wynona Board of Education, with a belief that the people are vested with the inherent right to be fully informed about their schools, hereby states its willingness to make records of the board available to the public whenever appropriate and in compliance with the state's Open Records Act.
The superintendent shall designate at least one person who is authorized to release records of the school district for inspection, copying or mechanical reproduction. At least one such person should be available for such duty during the regular business hours of the school district.
212..R.1
REGULATION
OPEN RECORDS ACT ENFORCEMENT GUIDELINES
1. All public body records are open to any person for inspection, copying, or reproduction during regular business hours, except as provided by the Oklahoma Open Records Act.
2. The act does NOT apply to records specifically required by law to be kept confidential, including records of what transpired during meetings lawfully closed to the public (such as board executive sessions).
3. The school district may charge a fee only for reasonable, direct costs of document reproduction or copying. Therefore, (according to the maximum amount listed in the act), 25 cents per page will be charged for document copying and $1.00 for a certified copy page.
4. However, if the request is solely for a commercial purpose (other than for the news media) or would clearly cause excessive disruption of the public body's essential function, the body may charge a fee of $10.00 per hour to recover direct costs of document search.
5. In order to protect the integrity and organization of its records and to prevent excessive disruptions of the school’s essential functions, the district may use 24 hours or, in rare circumstances, 48 hours to provide lengthy or complex information.
6. No search fee can be charged when release is in the public interest. Public interest includes seeking to determine if officials are honestly and competently performing their duties.
7. A written schedule of the fees will be posted at the office of the superintendent and with the county clerk.
8. The superintendent may waive charges at his or her discretion.
213
RESOLVING
SCHOOL-RELATED CONFLICTS
Wynona Board of Education believes that the school district can operate most efficiently and can deal most effectively with individual situations or problems if they are resolved at the lowest level of administration possible.
Therefore, the board requests that problems which parents or students have with an individual teacher or classroom situation be taken to the individual teacher for resolution. If that resolution is not satisfactory, the parent or guardian of the student should contact the school principal for resolution. If the results of a meeting with the principal are not satisfactory, the problem should be taken to the superintendent. If all of these avenues of conflict resolution have failed to provide a satisfactory resolution of the issue, the parent or guardian may request to be heard by the board of education at a board meeting. Disputes that initiate at levels other than the classroom should be resolved by following the designated chain of command.
The school counselor may be involved at any level of the problem resolution process.
214
ADOPTION AND REVIEW
OF POLICY
The policies of Wynona Board of Education will be reviewed annually. Changes, additions, or deletions may be made subsequent to this annual review. However, requests for the board to consider changes in policies may be made at any time. Suggestions should be submitted in writing to the superintendent or the president of the board.
The board believes that the most important ingredient of a legitimate suggestion for policy change is a well-documented need or problem and the solution is feasible for the district.
Policy changes may appear on any regular board meeting agenda. Final adoption of any policy change must be postponed for at least 30 days after original consideration, unless the board votes to declare an emergency for the policy change.
Regulations, guidelines, handbooks and other district handouts are to be presented to the board for approval prior to distribution. Such approval may be given at the board meeting in which they are presented. However, the board, at its discretion, may postpone approval.
The board of education is aware that board action, in and of itself, may be interpreted as establishment of policy.
215
ACTION IN THE
ABSENCE OF POLICY
In cases where emergency action must be taken involving the operation of Wynona School District and in which no policy has been established by the board of education, the superintendent will have the authority to act, using his or her own best judgment and based on what he or she believes the policy of the board of education would be, if it existed. Such emergency policy decisions will be reported to the president of the board as soon as practical and to the board at its next meeting. The board will determine at that time whether or not a permanent policy should be established
216
SCHOOL DISTRICT
DOCUMENTS AS POLICY
Wynona Board of Education understands the importance of providing handbooks and other written materials to faculty, staff and students so that each may be adequately informed as to the expectations of Wynona School District.
Wynona Board of Education considers statements of procedure appearing in such documents (i.e. faculty handbooks, student handbooks, guidelines, negotiated agreements and related documents) to have full authority of the board and serve the same function as board policy.
Such documents are subject to board approval before distribution.
217
MEDIA RELATIONS
AND
NEWS RELEASES
Media Relations
Wynona Board of Education recognizes the need for the district to be accessible to the media and charges the superintendent with the responsibility for the dissemination of information and informational materials to the news media. The superintendent shall develop procedures by which district employees and others shall channel information directly to the media or to the superintendent or his or her designee for release.
News Releases
The board of education supports the right of the public to know about the programs and services of the district and will encourage all efforts to disseminate appropriate information about the district, its people and programs. The superintendent or his/her designee shall be responsible for preparing and disseminating frequent news releases about the district and its programs to the news media.
300
Table of Contents
SECTION 300 TABLE OF CONTENTS
FINANCE
301 Management of School Finances
302 Financial Records
303 Expenditure of District Funds
304 Purchasing
304..R.1 Guidelines for Purchasing
305 The Treasurer and the Encumbrance Clerk
306 Investment of School Funds Contracts
308 General Fund Cash Forward Balance
309 Purchases by Employees
310 Building Fund and Bonds/Sinking Fund
311 School Activity Fund
311..R.1 Procedures for Handling School Activity Fund Money
311..R.2 Activity Fund Sub-Accounts
311..R.3 Addendum: Examples of Sub accounts
312 Sanctioning of Organizations and Associations 312..R.1 Application for Sanctioning Organizations and Associations
313 Food Service Fund
313..R.1 School Cafeteria Payment Procedures
313..R.2 Child Nutrition Purchasing Procedures
301
MANAGEMENT
OF SCHOOL FINANCES
Preparation and Adoption of a Budget
The superintendent shall prepare the budget for the ensuing school year. A tentative budget shall then be considered and approved or rejected by Wynona Board of Education. No later than 15 days prior to adoption of a final budget, the board shall include, in its regular board agenda or a special meeting called for that purpose, a public hearing for the purpose of taking public comment on financial matters, including past and future expenditures, of the district.
No later than September 1 of each year Wynona Board of Education shall file with the State Board of Education an itemized expenditure budget and request for state appropriated funds for the ensuring fiscal year. This shall include an estimate of the revenues from all sources to be received by the district during the ensuing fiscal year. Prior to September 1, a written itemized statement of estimated needs and probable income from all sources is to be published in newspapers and filed with the county excise board. The final budget will be completed no later than 45 days after the county excise board approves the district's estimate of needs. It shall include functional categories as defined in rules prescribed by the State Board of Education.
Statement of Income and Expenditures
No later than July 31 the board shall prepare a statement of actual income and expenditures of the district for the fiscal year that ended on the preceding June 30. A copy of the statement will be posted in the administrative office of the board and the school library within five days of the development of the final statement.
Control and Audit of Funds
The board of education shall exercise control over and be responsible for all funds on hand or hereafter received or collected from any and all sources. The board shall provide for an annual audit of all funds including the general fund, building fund, special funds, and school activity funds.
Responsibility for Fund Accounting
The treasurer of the district shall receive all funds belonging to the school district and report such receipts to the clerk or secretary of the board as directed by the board. All claims and warrants to be paid shall be approved by the board and submitted to the treasurer for payment from these receipts. The treasurer shall promptly pay the approved claims and warrants within the provision of the school budget and appropriations available to pay same.
General Accounts
The treasurer shall keep general accounts showing all of the receipts, appropriations, and expenditures of the district. These general accounts shall be available for inspection by members of the board of education or its designated officials at all times.
302
FINANCIAL RECORDS
Wynona School District’s treasurer shall keep general accounts showing all of the receipts, appropriations, and expenditures of the district. These general accounts shall be available for inspection by members of the board of education or its designated officials at all times.
The encumbrance clerk shall keep a written confirmation of all purchases. This record shall include the purchase order, a copy of the invoice, and a record of payment.
303
EXPENDITURE OF DISTRICT FUNDS
Purchasing
No member or officer of Wynona Board of Education shall receive financial benefits from the purchase of goods or services for the district. All purchases shall be made in strict conformity with local requirements as set forth in the State Laws of Oklahoma.
Consideration of Vendors
All dealers and vendors of school supplies and/or services shall be treated in an equitable manner.
Protection of District Interests
The proper school district representative to see that the terms and specifications of the purchase order have been met shall check all equipment, materials, supplies, and services received by the school district.
Records of Purchases
The encumbrance clerk shall keep a written confirmation of all purchases. This record shall include the purchase order, a signed copy of the bill, and a claim showing time of payment.
Inventory
The superintendent or his/her designee shall be responsible for maintaining an accurate inventory of materials and equipment in the district. Inventories shall include date of purchase and cost.
304
PURCHASING Statement of Position
Wynona Board of Education recognizes the importance of staff in establishing and implementing appropriate procedures for sound fiscal management. These procedures shall include, but are not limited to, purchasing and delivery of goods and services, accounting, reporting, business, payroll, personnel, payment of vendors and contractors, and all other areas of fiscal management.
Compliance with Oklahoma State School Law
Regulations are intended to be in compliance with Oklahoma school laws and shall be amended from time to time to implement any changes and/or reinterpretations of school law and regulations.
The financial accounting structure of Wynona School District shall consist of various code classifications as set forth in the Oklahoma Cost Accounting System. The school district accounting system shall be operated on a basis that assures legal compliance by recording and summarizing of financial transactions within funds, each of which is completely independent of any other. Each fund shall account for and continually maintain the identity of its revenues and expenditures. Expenditures from all appropriated funds shall be made by properly issued warrants/checks.
Detailed Purchasing Regulations and Procedures See Regulation to this policy.
304..R.1
REGULATION
GUIDELINES FOR PURCHASING
Purpose
The purpose of this regulation is to establish uniform purchasing and bidding practices throughout the school district. The scope of these regulations shall include the use of any fund controlled by the board of education and shall be followed by all school district employees.
Definitions
1. Contract: A contract shall be a regularly approved purchase order, an approved claim, an approved activity fund purchase order or a written agreement for purchasing.
2. Expenditure: An expenditure is a single disbursement of funds to a contractor or vendor.
3. Construction: Construction means repair, remodeling, improvement of a school building or erection of a building by a contractor or vendor or the purchase of materials for these purposes.
4. Quotations: These are prices obtained without going through the bidding procedure.
5. Board Approval: Approval of a contract of purchase, bid or quotation is submitted to the board of education. It is then placed on the board's agenda and the transaction is voted on during a meeting of the board.
6. Sealed Bid: This is a formal bid letting that conforms to the requirements of the Competitive Public Bidding Act.
7. Force Account: This is an account that may be used by the district to purchase materials to be used by school employees for repair or improvements of a building.
Control of Funds
The board authorizes the superintendent, or his/her designee, to encumber funds as budgeted for the fiscal year ending June 30. Expenditures made pursuant to said encumbrances shall be approved or disapproved at each subsequent board meeting.
Records
The board shall keep a written record covering all purchases. This record shall include written purchases, encumbrances, orders, a signed copy of the order showing receipt of goods, a copy of the invoice, and a claim showing time of payment.
Purchasing Requisitions
Any employee may request through his/her supervisor to requisition such materials as may be needed. If the supervisor agrees with the request, it is sent to the superintendent for approval and purchase.
Filling Purchase Orders
A material service request form is submitted to the superintendent. Upon receipt of the request, acknowledgment of receipt of the request will be returned to the submitting employee. A purchase order based on the submitted requisition will be mailed or delivered to the vendor, and the district will keep one copy.
Receiving Shipment
Upon receiving shipment, the receiving employee must sign and date the invoice, certifying that all items were delivered.
305
THE TREASURER AND
THE ENCUMBRANCE CLERK
The Treasurer
Wynona Board of Education shall either use the county treasurer or appoint a local treasurer.
The treasurer, under bond, shall be charged with the responsibility of caring for the funds of the district. The local treasurer, when required by the board of education, shall prepare and submit in writing a report of the condition of the finances of the district and shall produce at any meeting of the board all books and papers pertaining to the office of the treasurer.
The local treasurer shall maintain a separate cash ledger for each fund in the custody of the treasurer. Each collection and disbursement shall be entered in the cash ledger of the applicable fund. Additional ledgers shall be kept to record investments made from each fund. No treasurer shall pay out school district funds in the care of the treasurer except when the proper district officials sign warrants. This restriction shall not apply to sinking funds or the investment of school district funds.
The Encumbrance Clerk
The encumbrance clerk of Wynona School District shall keep the books and documents of the school district and perform such other duties as the board of education or its committees may require. The encumbrance clerk shall be bonded in the amount of $1000.00.
No member of the board, superintendent, principal, treasurer, instructor or teacher employed by the board shall be eligible to serve as encumbrance clerk. However, the minutes clerk may serve as encumbrance clerk.
The encumbrance clerk shall not authorize payment of any bill or invoice until satisfactory receipt of the services or merchandise and unless said bill or invoice is properly supported by an itemized invoice clearly describing each item purchased, the quantity of each item, its unit price and its total cost. The bill or invoice shall be filed in the encumbrance clerk's official records.
Reference: 70 O.S. 5-119 (Section 77, School Laws of Oklahoma)
70 O.S. 5-115 (Section 64, School Laws of Oklahoma)
306
INVESTMENT OF SCHOOL FUNDS
Wynona Board of Education believes that sound money management includes the proper investment of funds permitted by law, prudent management of public funds, availability of funds when needed, and reasonable investment returns.
The school district treasurer shall be required to satisfactorily complete an investment education program approved by the State Department of Education. Such programs will be designed to allow treasurers to make informed decisions of public funds regarding liquidity, diversification, safety of principal, yield, maturity, quality of the investment instrument, and capability of the investment management. The primary emphasis shall be on safety and liquidity of the investment funds. These funds are to be invested with a financial institution as defined in state school law.
The treasurer shall, to the extent practicable, use competitive bids/quotes when purchasing direct obligations of the United States government or other obligations of the United States government, its agencies or instrumentalities.
When making investments the district treasurer is directed to consider investment of such funds in the best choice possible.
1. Direct obligations of the United States government to the payment of which the full faith and credit of the United States government or State of Oklahoma is pledged.
2. Certificates of deposit of banks when such certificates of deposits are secured by acceptable collateral for the deposit of public monies.
3. Savings accounts or saving certificates to the extent that such accounts or certificates are fully insured by the United States government.
4. Repurchase agreements that have underlying collateral including obligations of the United States government, its agencies and instrumentalities, or the State of Oklahoma.
5. County, municipal or school district debt obligations for which an ad valorem tax may be levied.
6. Money market mutual funds regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission and which investments consist of obligations of the United States, its agencies and instrumentalities.
7. Warrants, bonds or judgments of the school district.
8. Qualified pooled investment programs through an interlocal cooperative agreement formed pursuant to applicable law and to which the board of education has voted to be a member, the investments of which consist of those items specified in paragraphs 1 through 7 above, as well as obligations of the United States agencies and instrumentalities.
9. Any other investment that is authorized by law.
Interest income received from investment of such monies may be placed in the General Fund to be used for general operations, the Sinking Fund or the Building Fund or any other funds from which the investment was made. The income from such investments is to be placed in the funds as determined by the board of education.
The board of education will review the investment performance of the district treasurer or the pooled program on a regular basis and no less than once each month.
References: 70 O.S. Section 5-115
62 O.S. Section 348.1 (Sections 664 and 664.1, School Laws of Oklahoma)
Note: Policy required by HB 1251 (Section 5), 1999 Legislative Session
307
CONTRACTS Wynona Board of Education supports the belief that good business practices should be maintained in the operation of the school district. An important ingredient of those business practices is the maintenance of up-to-date contracts with all employees, including extra-duty contracts and contracts for substitute teachers or workers.
Requisitions, purchase orders, non-kickback statements and other related financial contracts or forms should be adequately maintained.
308
GENERAL FUND CASH FORWARD BALANCE
Wynona Board of Education maintains a philosophy of strong fiscal responsibility in the management of the school district’s revenue. An essential component of the revenue management process is to maintain the general fund cash forward balance at a level that provides efficient cash flow, covers emergency expenditures, adjusts for revenue shortfall and avoids paying interest on non-payable warrants.
The board, in order to maximize the efficient use of the general fund, establishes the fiscal management objective of achieving a general fund cash forward balance not to exceed (see reference), in compliance with state law.
Reference: 70 O.S. 18.2001 (Section 422.1, School Laws of Oklahoma)
309
PURCHASES BY EMPLOYEES Wynona Board of Education realizes that it is necessary for employees to make personal purchases for professional expenses. When prior approval is granted, reimbursement can be made for these expenses.
Orders Verbal orders, telephone orders, or any purchases made outside district guidelines will be the sole responsibility of the individual and not the responsibility of the school district.
Documentation
Proper documentation and procedures must be followed prior to reimbursement of expenses.
Reimbursement Not Allowed
Personnel will not be reimbursed for
§ personal long distance telephone calls
§ alcoholic beverages
§ individual professional dues
§ school materials ordered without permission
310
BUILDING FUND
AND
BONDS/SINKING FUND
Building Fund
In order to enhance revenue sources to be used for such purposes, Wynona Board of Education supports the five-mill local district building fund. The fund may be used for erecting, remodeling, repairing or maintaining school buildings; purchasing furniture, equipment and computer software; paying energy and utility costs, for purchasing telecommunications services, for paying fire and casualty insurance premiums; purchasing security systems; or paying salaries of security, maintenance or janitorial personnel. Proceeds from the building fund may be carried forward from one year to the next.
Bonds/Sinking Fund
All general obligation bonds issued by the district shall create a sinking fund. These bonds shall be signed by the chief executive office of the board and attested to by the clerk of the board. The district attorney and county clerk shall certify that the issue is within the district’s debt limit. The school treasurer shall certify that he/she has registered the bonds. Proper officials will set a sufficient ad valorem tax for the redemption of the bonds, and the tax shall be paid into the sinking fund. When no bonds are outstanding, no tax will be collected.
References: (Sections 22 and 607-611, School Laws of Oklahoma)
AG opinion 74-273
311
SCHOOL ACTIVITY FUND
Wynona Board of Education shall exercise control over all funds received or collected from students or extracurricular activities conducted in the school district. At the beginning of each fiscal year, and as needed during each fiscal year, the board shall approve all school activity fund sub accounts and all sub account fund-raising activities.
Handling Activity Fund Money
Wynona Board of Education believes that a sound system of activity fund accounting will make possible an accurate determination of the cost of an activity, will facilitate auditing procedures, and will safeguard and protect both the funds and the persons responsible for handling the money. To that end, no collections; proceeds from any contract; proceeds from the sale, lease, or rental of property; or interest from student fund-raising shall be deposited or transferred to any sub account unless board approval has been given.
Activity Fund Drive
Public Involvement The board shall assure that the public is informed concerning fund-raising activities through a public school board meeting and/or through other communication with the community.
Student and Teacher Involvement: All drives for funds in schools by school children and teachers shall be banned except for ticket sales and approved promotions. All drives for funds in the schools must be approved by the board of education prior to the activity.
Special Collections and Funds: Students and faculty will be allowed to take collections and solicit funds for flowers or gifts in such instances as the death of a student or an employee. However, permission to take collections and/or solicit funds under such circumstances must be granted by the principal at the school site. The superintendent or his/her designee may approve district-wide solicitations and collections.
References: 70 O.S. 5-129 (Section 87, School Laws of Oklahoma)
HB 1176, 1999 Legislative Session
HB 1979, 2000 Legislative Session
311..R.1
REGULATION
HANDLING SCHOOL ACTIVITY FUND MONEY
Introduction
1. The board of education shall exercise control over all activity funds in all sub accounts.
2. Disbursements shall be by check.
3. No funds in one sub account may be used to pay purchase orders from another account unless the board grants a transfer of funds.
4. No sub account may have a negative balance at any time.
5. Purchases from the activity account are payable only when a purchase order is obtained before the purchase and an invoice is presented after the purchase. Exceptions may be made in the following circumstances:
To refund money to an individual who uses personal funds when an invoice is presented and determination is made that a legal expense of the activity has been incurred
To provide a sponsor of an activity advance travel expenses on behalf of the school district, with receipts for all expenditures submitted after the trip
6. Sponsors shall be held responsible for the collection and expenditure of each organization's funds.
7. No money shall be held in any location other than the school office beyond the end of the school day that the money is collected.
8. Money shall be turned in daily for activities that take place over a period of time.
Before an Activity
1. The sponsor of each organization shall be responsible for notifying the activity fund secretary that change will be needed for a particular activity. Notification shall be made not later than 9:30 a.m. the day of the scheduled activity.
2. The business manager shall prepare a change box of $100.00 for each activity.
3. The sponsor shall sign a receipt for the change.
During the Activity
1. The sponsor shall maintain supervision over each person handling activity funds.
2. The sponsor shall account for all admissions and products sold.
3. At the end of each activity the sponsor shall count the money and prepare it by wrapping coins and bills for bank deposit.
After the Activity
1. On the first school day following an activity, the sponsor shall take all monies, including the initial change, to the office for deposit.
2. The sponsor and the business manager or principal shall count the money together.
3. The business manager or principal shall write a receipt and give a copy to the sponsor.
4. The business manager shall record entries to the proper ledgers and reconcile cash daily.
5. The business manager shall prepare deposit slips for bank deposits and make such deposits on a timely basis.
Expenditure of Funds
1. Before a purchase is made, the sponsor shall determine if funds are available for the item(s) to be purchased. No expenditures may be made from an account without funds on hand.
2. The sponsor shall request by purchase order that funds are to be encumbered for items to be purchased.
3. After the purchase order is approved, the sponsor may make the purchase and present the receipt to the activity fund business manager for payment.
4.The business manager receives and checks invoices, prepares requests for payment, mails checks, and posts withdrawals from accounts as they occur.
311..R.2
REGULATION
ACTIVITY FUND SUB-ACCOUNTS
The following accounts shall be established in the school activity fund. Each account shall have as its primary purpose the benefit of the student body and student organization for which it is established. Fund-raising activities shall include those listed for each account as well as other fund-raising activities approved by the board. The sponsor must make a written request for fund-raising activities and include the intended purpose of the monies raised.
1. Clearing Account is dedicated to the collection of fees for lost or damaged books, damage to property, rental income, fees for use of facilities, tuition, overpayments, and related items. Expenditures may only be for the refund of revenues previously received and deposited either into the account or directly into the general fund. Any remaining balance in the account shall be transferred to the general fund on or before June 30 of each year.
2. Petty Cash Account is established in order to make small cash expenditures such as postage, freight charges, or purchase of materials. The activity fund custodian shall file a claim against the general fund of the school district for the authorized amount of $200.00. No single expenditure shall exceed $75.00 nor shall total expenditures exceed $2,500.00 for any one fiscal year. The activity fund custodian shall file claims against the general fund as the need arises, provided the balance of the account does not exceed $200.00. Such claims shall be itemized in the same manner as other claims filed against the general fund and have attached thereto the receipts covering each of the expenditures claimed for reimbursement.
3. Miscellaneous Account is maintained as a general account with the school activity fund. Deposits made to this account shall include the interest made on the school activity fund, and monies raised by school groups for which there is no separate sub account. The monies expended may be to support any student organization in need of financial assistance or to defray expenses of students or student groups involved in school activities for which no separate sub account exists. Such organizations shall repay the monies expended when possible.
4. Athletics Account shall be maintained for the benefit of the different athletic activities and organizations, including football, basketball, baseball, wrestling, softball, volleyball, and track. Monies may be raised from ticket sales to athletic contests. Expenditures must be related to athletics and/or physical education and may include expenses incurred for competitive athletic event, equipment, trips, or related items. Monies collected from students for the purchase of equipment may be deposited in the account and then withdrawn by check to the appropriate supplier in the exact amount as the aggregate collection.
5. Cheerleading Account shall be used to handle the monies raised by the junior and senior high school cheerleaders. Fund-raising activities may include the sale of spirit ribbons, and other school spirit paraphernalia. Expenditures must be related to the cheerleading squads and may include purchase of uniforms, materials, expenses incurred on trips, or cheerleading camps.
6. Concession Account shall be maintained for the benefit of all athletic programs.
7. Junior Class Account shall be maintained for the benefit of the junior class. The sub account shall be labeled “Class of (year of graduation).” Fund-raising activities shall include concession receipts from athletic events. Expenditures shall include expenses incurred in association with Junior/Senior Banquet and Prom held in the spring of each year. Monies collected for the purchase of such things as junior class rings shall be deposited in the account until payment is made by check to the appropriate supplier in the exact amount as was collected in aggregate.
8. Senior Class Account shall be maintained for the benefit of the senior class. The sub account shall be labeled “Class of (year of graduation).” Excess monies raised during the preceding year in the junior class account remain with the class that raised the money. Monies collected from students for the purchase of announcements, caps and gowns, and senior portraits shall be deposited in the account and withdrawn by check payable to the appropriate supplier in the exact amount as was collected in aggregate. Expenditures may include graduation exercises expenses, senior trip expenses, and other expenses incurred by the class.
9. Student Council Account shall be maintained for the benefit of the entire student body. Expenditures shall include expenses arising from the annual homecoming activities.
10. Seventh through Tenth Grades Accounts shall be used to handle monies raised by members for class activities and trips. Fund raising activities may include the sale of candy, assemblies, benefit dinners, raffles and concession receipts from games.
11. Yearbook Account shall be maintained to facilitate the production of the school yearbook. Monies may be raised from the sale of advertisements placed in the yearbook, sale of yearbooks, sale of yearbook paraphernalia, school-day pictures. Commissions. Expenditures may include expenses incurred by students attending yearbook workshops.
312
SANCTIONING OF
ASSOCIATIONS AND ORGANIZATIONS
In compliance with the provisions of HB 2107 of the 1996 Legislative Session, Wynona Public School District has established procedures to provide for sanctioning of associations and organizations exempted or applying to be exempted from statutory controls and board policies and procedures pertaining to school activity funds.
School-related organizations have the following options regarding the management of their funds related to Wynona School District:
1. Funds may be deposited and expended through a board-approved school activity account at their local school site. Organizations that choose to deposit their funds in a board-approved school activity account must follow the district’s policies and procedures for school activity funds.
2. Funds may be deposited and expended through an organization’s local bank account and shall be exempt from regulations of the district’s school activity fund upon being granted sanctioning status by Wynona Board of Education under the requirements of this sanctioning policy.
Requirements
1. Organizations who have previously obtained IRS designation as a 501(C)(3) organization are still required to apply for sanctioning by the board of education.
2. The organization may not use school materials in advertising its activities. Use of school property by the organization for its activities is appropriate and will meet the regulations of the board of education.
4. Any plan, project or movement instigated to expand, modernize, renovate, or render maintenance to school-controlled and/or owned properties will be presented to the superintendent for consideration. This must be done prior to any announcement of the event.
312..R.1
REGULATION APPLICATION FOR SANCTIONING
ASSOCIATIONS AND ORGANIZATIONS
Wynona Public Schools Application for Sanctioning
Under Oklahoma Statute 70-O.S.-129.1
This is a request for sanctioning the applicant to Wynona Board of Education, pursuant to which the funds collected by the applicant are exempt from the statutory controls over school activity funds. The applicant is a program for student achievement or by a parent-teacher association or organization.
Name of applicant:________________________________________________________________
Address:________________________________________________________________
Taxpayer I.D. Number:_____________________________________________________
Representative from whom additional information may be obtained:
________________________________________________________________________
Telephone number:________________________________________________________
Purpose, goals and organizational structure:____________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
(All funds raised by the organization will be used to achieve the stated purpose and goals of the organization. No administrative fees or stipends to officers or others will be permitted.)
Describe how the school district and its students will benefit if the applicant is sanctioned.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Applicant certifies that it does not and will not discriminate with respect to its benefits, membership, programs, operation or organization on the basis of race, gender, age, religion, national origin or disability.
Applicant acknowledges that the board of education has the discretion to sanction or decline to sanction the applicant, and the decision of the board of education is final and nonappealable. Applicant further acknowledges that
a. The board of education may, at any time, request the applicant's records. The applicant is required by the board of education to provide an unaudited financial report attached to the sanctioning renewal request by July 1 of each year for applicant's recently ended fiscal year.
b. The board of education may, at any time it believes it is in the best interest of the school district to do so, withdraw sanctioning, and the decision of the board of education is final and nonappealable.
Instructions to applicant:
1. Complete the application. Please print or type. If necessary, please use additional
sheets of paper.
2. Sign and date this application.
Deliver this application to the superintendent of schools.
_______________________________
Name of applicant
Dated:____________________________ By_______________________________
313
FOOD SERVICE FUND
Wynona School District’s food service program will operate as an integral part of the total school program and will be governed by the same principles and types of control as any other division. The district’s food services director will supervise the program.
School food services will be operated on a nonprofit basis and will comply with all rules and regulations pertaining to health, sanitation, internal accounting procedures and service of foods. The district will meet all state and federal requirements necessary for participation in state and federal programs.
School food service receipts will be used only to pay regular food service operating costs. When food service facilities are used by outside agencies, an adequate fee approved by the board will be charged. If facilities are used for other than the regular program, the manager will ensure that no supplies provided for the regular program or USDA commodities are used.
Free and Reduced Meals
The board recognized the need for all children to have a nutritious breakfast and lunch. In order to assure that children receive these meals, the district will provide free or reduced-price meals for all economically disadvantaged children in accordance with family income standards as established by the federal government and the school cafeteria manager who will determine eligibility. The criteria used for determining a student’s needs and the steps taken to secure the free and reduced meals will be clearly established and made known to all lunchroom staff. Students participating in such meals will not be distinguished in any way from other students. Confidentially will be expected in each case.
Deposit of Monies
All money collected from payment for school meals shall be deposited in the school general fund.
313..R.1
REGULATION
SCHOOL CAFETERIA PAYMENT PRECEDURES
Free and reduced price meals are available to those families who qualify. An application for free and reduced price meals may be picked up at the administration building or by calling the office.
When a student has not qualified for free or reduced price meals they will be charged full price. Full price breakfast and lunches prices will be determined in July of the current school year. These prices are determined by the State Department of Education Child Nutrition Department.
When a student’s lunch bill is not paid within a two month period then a letter stating if the current balance is not paid then the student will be served an alternative meal consisting of a peanut butter sandwich and milk. Wynona Public School will charge $.50 for the alternative meal. This process will be followed until the bill is paid in full. If a parent wishes to pay on a daily/weekly basis the student will be allowed to eat the traditional lunch for that day/week.
Any balance remaining on a student’s lunch bill will be carried over to the next school year. If a parent wishes refund for the remaining balance on the students account, a written request must be made and turned into the administration office.
The Wynona Public School District reserves the right to take collection action for any outstanding lunch bills that are remaining for the current school year.
Approved By President of School Board Date
Approved By Superintendent Date
313..R.2
REGULATION CHILD NUTRITION PURCHASING PROCEDURES
Wynona School District will purchase weekly or as needed: Produce, canned goods, equipment or any other item needed to meet any and all Child Nutrition Programs. Written or verbal quotations may be used. Approved by Wynona Board of Education and the superintendent _____________________________________
President of the Board
_____________________________________
Vice President of the Board
_____________________________________
Clerk of the Board
_____________________________________
Member of the Board
_____________________________________
Member of the Board
_____________________________________
Superintendent
State of Oklahoma
Osage County
Subscribed and sworn to me before this _____day of ____________________, _______
_____________________________________
Notary Public
My commission expires ___________________________________________________
314
School Credit Card
Administrative Regulations
In accordance with the policy of the board of education, the following regulations shall apply to the usage of the school credit card:
The credit card will be maintained in the superintendent’s office. The use of the credit card will be carefully controlled by the superintendent.The superintendent and the superintendent’s designee are the only district employees authorized to charge expenditures on the card.Personnel desiring use of the card must obtain approval through the superintendent’s office.
The card may be checked out from the superintendent’s office by the certified employee who is serving as sponsor for a board-approved activity.
A card usage log will be maintained in the superintendent’s office and will include the following information:
a) The signature of the employee checking out the card.
b) The activity for which the card is to be used.
c) The date the card is checked out.
d) The date the card is checked in.
e) Verification of receipt turned in for all purchases. Receipts for gasoline purchases must include the license number or vehicle number.
Purchases are to be made only by the employee whose signature is recorded on the usage log as checking out the card.
Purchases made which are not approved by the board will be reimbursed to the school district within 10 days notification. Anyone making such purchases may be prohibited for future use of the card.
- Personal usage of the card is prohibited at all times.
- All usage of the credit card will require the acquisition of an original invoice from the vendor in addition to the credit card invoice customer copy. Purchases made with the credit card will not be reimbursed without both the original invoice and the customer copy of the credit card invoice.
- All bills received from oil companies or other credit care companies will be paid in full upon receipt and within the time period provided by the credit card company.
314..R.1
Credit Card Use Report
When claiming expenses for more than one person, be sure to list names of each person for whom charges are made. All receipts should be itemized and attached to the credit card slips.
Card Used:
Person Using Card:
Card Designated To: Date of Purchase/Trip:
Purpose of Purchase/Trip: Destination:
Name of Person(s) Using the Card:
Supplies/Equipment
Vendor Amount
Vendor Amount
Vendor Amount
Gasoline
Vendor Amount
I certify that the above-listed charges were all the purchases made with the
Credit card while in my possession. All purchases made for and in the conduct of official business of Wynona Public Schools.
Signature Date
***Individuals making purchases with a school credit care for which no invoices are returned to the business office shall be responsible for payment of the purchase***
Section 400
TABLE OF CONTENTS
GENERAL ADMINISTRATION
401 Maintenance of Facilities
402 Use of School Facilities
402..R.1 Procedures for Use of School Facilities
402..R.2 Facility User Responsibility Statement
403 Distribution of Information and Materials to Staff, Faculty and Students
404 Use of Tobacco on School Grounds
405 Vandalism
406 Transportation
407 Use of School Bus for Nonschool and Extra-curricular Activities
408 School Safety and Health Issues
408.1Local Wellness
409 Emergency Plans--Fire Drills and Lockdown Drills
409..R.1 Emergency/Evacuation Plan
409..R.2 Warning Systems for Inclement Weather
409..R.3 Fire Drill Rules
409..R.4 Emergency Procedures
410 Bomb Threats
410..R.1 Bomb Threat Procedures
411 Felons/Sex Offenders and Employment
412 Felony Records Search
412..R.1 Employee Records Investigation Permission
413. Sexual Harassment
413..R.1 Definitions, Reporting and Investigating Sexual Harassment
413..R.2 Alleged Sexual Harassment Report Form
414. Transfer and Release of Confidential Information
415 Grievances and Complaints
415..R.1 Procedures for Grievances and Complaints
415..R.2 Grievance/Complaint Form
416 Bloodborne Pathogens
416..R.1 Handling Bloodborne Pathogens
416..R.2 Guidelines for Custodians when Handling Body Fluids
417 Drug-Free Workplace
417..R.1 Drug-Free Employee Certification
418 Drug Screening
418..R.1 Procedures for Drug Screening
418..R.2 Drug Screening Consent Form
418..R.3 Drug Testing
419 Suspected Child Abuse and/or Neglect
419..R.1 Suspected Child Abuse and/or neglect Reporting Procedures
420 Parental Involvement
421 School Visitors
421..R.1 Appeal Process for Banned Visitors
422 Parental Inspection of Sex Education Materials
423 School Volunteers
424 Asbestoses Policy
\401
MAINTENANCE OF FACILITIES
Wynona School District shall maintain buildings, grounds and equipment in the best condition of operation and appearance that the school district staff and budget will allow. Good appearance of facilities is a role model for students and the pride of the community. Proper care of facilities and equipment will be a high priority. Custodial service will be of a high standard and will be responsible for keeping the facilities in sanitary, safe and groomed conditions for students, teachers and community usage.
Students and teachers need to respect the custodial and maintenance staff’s time and make every effort to help in keeping classroom, restrooms, and hallways, as clear as possible. Students are encouraged to clear desks and floors of paper, pencils, and crayons at the end of each class period. Custodial care and facility maintenance shall be under the direct supervision of the administration.
Preventive and corrective maintenance procedures shall be developed and implemented to ensure that each site and building will be clean, in good repair and maintained with consideration for function and aesthetic value.
As a part of school maintenance, grass at each school site should be mowed and raked as needed. All borders and walkways should be trimmed. Flowerbeds located on a school site should be weed-free and well-maintained. All grounds should be free of trash and debris.
Each school building shall be as free as possible from hazards. Equipment, furnishings, and supplies in proper quantity and quality shall be maintained. Long-range planning for replacing, and/or updating each school site, including buildings and equipment, shall be developed.
402
USE OF SCHOOL FACILITIES
Wynona Board of Education believes that the first priority in the use of the school district facilities is the education of children in the district. However, local citizens are encouraged to use the facilities for other reasonable educational, recreational, and social functions. School facilities shall not be used for commercial use or personal gain or profit.
The board may open any school building and permit the use of any property belonging to the district for religious, political, literacy, community, cultural, scientific, mechanical, agricultural or parental involvement purposes and other purposes of general public interest.
The board shall exercise its authority to fix and collect rental rates and charges for the occupancy or use of school facilities in such amounts and in such manner as may be determined.
The superintendent or the superintendent’s designee will establish rules and regulations in support of this policy.
402..R.1
REGULATION
PROCEDURES FOR USE OF SCHOOL FACILITIES
General Information
Wynona Board of Education encourages patrons in the community to use district buildings and facilities for educational purposes. A charge will be made for any such use by those organizations or patrons not directly connected with the school and to school employees using the facilities for a non-school venture. Such fees will be to defray costs in maintaining heat, lights, and related services. The use of buildings must be in keeping with the general program of education. Political meetings open to the public are considered to be within the general program of public education, and school facilities may be rented provided no discrimination is shown.
Rental of School District Facilities
1. Individuals or groups desiring the use of any school facility must obtain from the superintendent’s office the necessary application forms. Applications should be submitted at the earliest possible date and must be submitted at least one week prior to use of the facility, unless special approval is obtained from the superintendent. The master calendar, in the superintendent’s office, shall indicate at all times the dates and facilities reserved.
2. At the beginning of each semester, dates and facilities needed for plays, rehearsals, musical events, and other major activities will be placed on the master calendar. If any changes are to be made, the superintendent’s office shall be notified to reflect proper space utilization.
3. It is the responsibility of the academic departments to schedule facilities desired for their use, using the official request form. Changes made or additional activities scheduled should also be submitted to the superintendent’s office on an official request form.
4. Other student and community groups may schedule events and reserve facilities after the initial master calendar is established. All reservations are tentative because some school activities have to be scheduled at a later date. School activities will take precedence over all other events unless the administrator in charge determines otherwise.
5. The district reserves the right to reschedule any event or facility should a priority need arise. (See Preference for Use of Facilities found in this regulation.)
6. The fee for facility usage will be based upon current expenses and will include custodial, supervision and utility expenses. If a rental charge is required, it shall be paid in the district business office. All checks shall be made payable to “Wynona Public Schools.”
7. No use shall be permitted for any individuals or groups not granted permission to use the premises during the allotted time. Juvenile organizations must have adult sponsorship and supervision.
Access to rooms or facilities, including playing fields, other that those approved for use, shall not be permitted, unless approved in advance.
No intoxicants or narcotics shall be used in or about school buildings and premises, including playing fields, nor shall profane language, quarreling, fighting or gambling be permitted. Smoking on school grounds is prohibited. Violations of this rule by any organization during occupancy shall be sufficient cause for denying further use of school premises of the organization. Consumption of foods will be permitted only in areas so designated by the school as “Food Service Areas.”
The person or group receiving the permit shall be responsible in case of loss or damage to school property.
The Board will retain all concession rights.
The use of facilities or fundraising activities may be approved for community or school benefit and sponsored by a Wynona community or civic organization.
Any person applying for the use of school property on behalf of any society, group, or organization shall be a member of such applicant group and, unless he or she is an officer of such group, must present written authorization from such applicant group to make such application. Only recognized community or civic organizations will be granted use of the facilities.
The person applying for the use of school property assumes all responsibility for personal injuries and property damages.
The school district reserves the right to reschedule any or all facilities for another purpose or group should a priority need arise.
The auditorium cannot be used by outside organizations two (2) weeks before plays are scheduled. Reservations by community groups will be cancelled when a school-sponsored activity needs the facility.
Schedule of Fees, Rates and Charges
The fee for facility usage will be based upon current expenses and will include custodial, supervision, and utility expenses.
Auditorium/Cafeteria: Rental fee for the auditorium shall be set by the board on a basis of per hour plus time and a half of the regular salary of the person supervising and also for the person doing the custodial work. Organizations sponsoring activity will work out the arrangements with the custodian. Cafeteria personnel must be employed when the kitchen is used. Outside agencies will pay time and a half of the cook’s regular salary. School organizations will work out arrangements with the cook.
Classroom: The board shall determine the rental fee at the time of the signing of the rental agreement.
High-school Gym: Rental fee for an activity shall be based on a scale of per hour, plus time and a half of regular salary for the supervisor and also for the custodian. The organization sponsoring the activity will work out arrangements with the custodian.
Elementary Gym: Rental fee shall be based on a scale of per hour, plus time and a half of the regular custodian and supervisor salary.
Other buildings, property, or equipment may be available for use as described above at the discretion of the board of education.
Preference for Use of Facilities: Preference for the use of all facilities on campus will be given in the following order:
1. Educational Use. School programs shall have privileged use of school buildings and shall supersede requests of nonschool groups. Even though first choice will be for this purpose, academic departments should schedule events well in advance through the procedures outlined. This will allow the school to know when the space is available for other use.
2. Student Social Life. School activities planned for the entire student body will be given first preference. Events should be scheduled well in advance to insure reservation of facilities.
3. School-sponsored Groups. Activities planned by clubs, organizations, and small groups will be given second preference. A school employee must be present while a group or organization is using the building. The principal or his designated representative will open the building. Only custodians shall operate the heating and cooling systems.
4. Other Groups. Approved groups not connected with the school may schedule events in school facilities when school groups are not using the facilities. All reservations are tentative until approved by the superintendent’s office. On an occasional basis, a religious group may rent school property. A fair and reasonable charge will be made.
Miscellaneous
School organizations may pay personnel costs when the building is used for fund-raising projects, but they need not pay building rent. Cafeteria personnel must be employed when the cafeteria kitchen is used.
Certain special programs, such as annual music festivals and district and regional sports tournaments, directly related to the school’s program, are to be handled the same as other regular school programs.
Insurance Any individual or group not a part of the school must show proof of insurance coverage before the district will approve any request for use of the school facilities.
Distribution of Information These regulations shall be made available to applicants and the observance of these regulations is a condition of the use of the facilities.
References: O.S. 21-1326 (Section 931, School Laws of Oklahoma)
A.G. Opinion 75-157
402..R.2
REGULATION
FACILITY USER RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT
Wynona School District We the undersigned do recognize our obligation to see that the facilities of Wynona Public Schools are cared for. Furthermore, we realize that our group will be responsible for any damaged or destroyed property(s) and will be expected to pay the district any fees and/or any reimbursement costs for damages.
Wynona School District will not be held responsible for any injuries or accidents as stated in the Facility Use Policy. Groups or individuals will be responsible for cleaning the facilities.
Date: __________________
Name of group using the facility: ____________________________________________
Group Representative: ____________________________________________
Group Representative: ____________________________________________
Permission (determined by the superintendent):
Granted: _______________________
Denied: _______________________
Superintendent: ____________________________________________________
Date: _______________________
403
DISTRIBUTION OF INFORMATIONAND MATERIALS
TO STAFF, FACULTY AND STUDENTS
Students, school personnel and school facilities of Wynona School District may not be used in any manner for advertising, selling, fund raising, or promoting the interest of any non-school agency, organization or individual without the prior written approval of the superintendent or the superintendent’s designee.
Requests for schools to use or distribute materials must be submitted in writing to the superintendent’s office. The superintendent or his/her designee will determine whether acceptance of the material will contribute in a meaningful way to the educational program of the school. The educational program of the school is understood to include instruction, extra-curricular activities, athletics, assemblies, and other similar activities carried out by the school.
Announcements of events sponsored by non-school groups must meet the same criteria and if approved may be posted in a central area within the school.
Wynona Public Schools will cooperate with non-profit community organizations that have worthwhile activities for children. With the approval of the superintendent or his/her designee, printed announcements of such activities may be distributed for those community activities that could broaden the educational experience of the children.
Commercial materials will not be distributed through the schools unless they are of benefit to the overall educational program of the school and are approved by the superintendent. These materials include, but are not limited to, equipment, supplies, printed matter, logos, slogans, trademarks, symbols, individuals and programs which are recognizable as representing a commercial firm, product, or service.
Any plans by any organization that would involve students in any manner must have the prior approval of the superintendent or his or her representative.
Sale Representatives and Demonstrations Sales representatives are not permitted to call on teachers, other school staff or students without authorization from the school administration. Principals may give permission to sales representatives of educational products to see members of the school community at times that will not interfere with the educational program.
Representatives of insurance companies may leave materials to be reviewed by employees at their discretion. Employees then may contact the representatives individually if their service is desired.
404
USE OF TOBACCO
ON SCHOOL GROUNDS
Wynona Board of Education recognizes that tobacco use has been shown to be linked to illnesses and disability and tobacco use is particularly addictive to children and youth. Therefore, in compliance with state law, the following policy on students and tobacco use is adopted.
Students will not be permitted to use tobacco products of any kind on or in any school property while in attendance at a school-sponsored event, or while in transport to or from school (or a school event) in school-authorized vehicles. A student in violation of this rule will be informed that he/she is in violation of board policy and state law. Failure to comply with the policy can result in suspension from school and school activities.
1. “School property” is defined as all property owned, leased, rented or otherwise used by any school in this district, including but not limited to the following:
a. All interior portions of any building or other structure used for instruction, administration, support services, maintenance or storage.
b. All school grounds over which the school exercises control including areas surrounding any building, playgrounds, athletic fields, recreation areas and parking areas.
c. All vehicles used by the district for transporting students, staff, visitors or other persons.
2. “Tobacco” is defined as cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, snuff, chewing tobacco and all other kinds and forms of tobacco prepared in such manner to be suitable for chewing, smoking or both. E cigarettes-vapor cigarettes or anything that blows smoke are considered tobacco products and are not allowed on school grounds 24/7.
3. “Use” is defined as lighting, chewing, inhaling or smoking any tobacco as defined within this policy.
4. Policy defines “tobacco products” as: “any lit or unlit cigarette, cigar, pipe, and any smokeless tobacco, dip, chew, and snuff in any form.” The ban includes electronic cigarettes, tobacco containers and packages, lighters, matches and any other items with the intent for the process of smoking.
The following policy statement for patrons and employees and other adults is adopted. No smoking or other use of tobacco products shall be allowed in any educational facility by any individual. Wynona Public School is a smoke free facility.
The school district administration bears the responsibility for addressing complaints, including asking smokers to refrain from smoking upon request.
Signs will be posted in prominent places on school property to notify the public that smoking or other use of tobacco products is prohibited.
Employees are warned that violation of this policy may lead to dismissal action. Patrons who violate this policy will be asked to leave the school premises. Students violating this policy will be disciplined according to the district’s discipline policy.
405
VANDALISM
Wynona Board of Education believes that the education of children is dependent upon many factors, including a proper physical environment that is safe, clean and attractive.
The care and safekeeping of all school district property is the general responsibility of the superintendent. It is also the superintendent’s responsibility to establish procedures for the proper safekeeping of school property.
All persons who are aware of incidents of vandalism, breaking and entering, and/or theft of school property should report the facts at once to the superintendent. A written report shall be made to the superintendent or his/her designee in a timely manner.
Cash in School Building No money is to be left overnight in any school building by any employee.
When cash is collected by any employee, it will be receipted and turned in to the designated custodian of the fund for which the collection was made. Any General Fund money collected will be turned in to the District Treasurer for depositing. Each and every transfer of money will be receipted.
This information should be freely disseminated.
Criminal Complaint The superintendent is authorized to sign a criminal complaint and to press charges against perpetrators of vandalism to school property.
406
TRANSPORTATION
Purpose
Wynona School District will provide transportation services to and from school for students in grades 1 through 12, whose homes are more than one and one-half (1½) miles from the school attended by those students. Students living less than 1½ miles from the school may be transported at the discretion of the superintendent if bus space is available.
When practicable, the district will provide transportation of students to school activities and on field trips that have been approved by the administration. Transportation for the activity or field trip is a second priority to the regular school route transportation.
The sponsor must requisition all activity trips and field trips through the administration in advance. Time must be allowed to obtain transportation units and needed drivers. An approved sponsor or sponsors will be present during the transportation requirement.
The board of education believes that the purpose of maintaining and operating a transportation system as part of the general school program shall be to provide its students adequate and safe transportation to and from school and on other school trips deemed a part of the educational program. In carrying out this transportation program, the district supports the following goals:
Operation
Transportation unit safety and student safety are the most important elements to consider in operating school district vehicles. Route bus drivers check buses on a daily basis. Route students have a required safety conduct emergency drill during the first three (3) weeks of each semester. All passengers are required to follow the passenger safety conduct code at all times. Disciplinary action will be taken against students who violate the passenger safety code.
Routes
Each bus shall be operated on its designated route that has been assigned by the director of transportation. Parents and students shall be made aware of the routes at enrollment time.
Maintenance
Each driver shall immediately report any defective condition of a bus to the Transportation Director. Drivers shall be responsible for minor maintenance to buses---checking the oil, gasoline, water and tire inspections. Each driver shall make a daily, written report to the transportation supervisor.
Each driver shall be responsible for keeping the interior of his/her bus clean. Drivers are also responsible for keeping windows clean to ensure proper vision.
Drivers
Bus drivers shall know and adhere to all rules and regulations established for drivers of school buses in Oklahoma.
Speed Limits
a. 65 mph on turnpikes and interstate highways
b. 55 mph or the posted speed limit, if lower, while traveling on paved
two-lane highways
c. 35 mph on unimproved roads of route
d. 40 mph on improved (paved) roads of bus route
e. or the posted speed limit
Headlights
The bus headlights will be activated at all times that the bus is operating.
Reference: HB 1258, 1999 Legislative Session
SB 84, 1999 Legislative Session
HB 2803, 2002 Legislative Session
407
USE OF SCHOOL BUSES FOR
EXTRA-CURRICULAR AND NONSCHOOL ACTIVITIES
Extra-Curricular Activities
Wynona School District’s transportation may be used for field trips, extra-curricular activities or school-sponsored activities. The superintendent or his/her designee may authorize the use of private vehicles when a small number of students is involved.
Non-school Activities
The board may choose to furnish district transportation for students to attend non-school activities such as community, state or county fairs, summer youth programs, field trips, and other purposes approved by the State Board of Education. Adults may ride school buses when they are designated as chaperones for the students on the bus at that time.
Transportation Requests
When participating in a school activity that requires school transportation, the sponsor should submit a transportation request. In the event that a conflict develops and cannot be resolved, the administration will determine the priority. Date of request is not a determining factor in such decisions. All requests for trips should be made to the building principal for approval no later than two (2) weeks prior to the planned event.
Board Approval
Approval of the board of education is required for all out-of-state trips. This includes buses provided by the district as well as charter trips. Requests for district owned buses will be considered if destination is within 500 miles from district site. The board must approve requests for out-of-state trips at least one (1) month prior to date of trip.
Role of the Student
Wynona Public School policy for transportation to and from school events is that students will ride on school transportation. The only way to deviate from this policy is for the parent to transport the student to and from the event. Parents may request that their child be allowed to ride to or from an event with another adult (non-student). This may be approved on an individual basis. Use of private vehicles is discouraged in favor of district transportation. The student must pick up forms that the parents must sign and then these forms must be returned for administrative approval. When students do not adhere to this policy, they will not be allowed to represent the school in the events or contests.
References: 70 O.S. 9-108 (Section 214, School Laws of Oklahoma)
SB 1, 1997 Legislative Session
408.1
LOCAL WELLNESS
POLICY
Purpose:
The link between nutrition, physical activity, and learning is well documented. Healthy eating and activity patterns are essential for students to achieve their full potential, full physical and mental growth, and lifelong health and well-being. Healthy eating and physical activity, essential for a healthy weight, are also linked to reduced risk for many chronic diseases. Schools have a responsibility to help students learn, establish, and maintain lifelong healthy eating and activity patterns. Well-planned and effectively implemented school nutrition and fitness programs have been shown to enhance students’ overall health, as well as their behavior and academic achievement in school. Staff wellness also is an integral part of a healthy school environment since school staff can be daily role models for healthy behaviors.
Goal:
All students in Wynona School District shall possess the knowledge and skills necessary to make nutritious food choices and enjoyable physical activity choices for a lifetime. All staff in Wynona School District are encouraged to model healthful eating and physical activity as a valuable part of daily life.
To meet this goal, the Wynona School District adopts this wellness policy with the following commitments to nutrition, nutrition education, physical activity, and other school-based activities that support student and staff wellness.
Nutrition Guidelines for all Foods Available on Campus
School Meals
Meals served through the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs will:
Per USDA Regulations §210.10 and §210.8, school lunches and breakfasts will meet menu-planning system guidelines as required by USDA.
Per USDA Regulation §210.10, school lunches will provide 1/3 of the recommended dietary allowances (RDA) for calories, protein, calcium, iron, vitamin A, and vitamin C as required by USDA;
Per USDA Regulation §220.8, school breakfasts will provide ¼ of the RDA for calories, protein, calcium, iron, vitamin A, and vitamin C as required by USDA;
Per USDA Regulations §210.10 and §220.8, the total calories from fat in school meals will be limited to 30 percent when averaged over one week;
Per USDA Regulations §210.10 and §220.8, the total calories from saturated fat in school meals will be less than 9.9 percent when averaged over one week
Per USDA Regulations §210.10 and §220.8 , school meals will meet the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
Qualifying after-school programs will participate in USDA’s After-School Snack Program.
Deep-fat fried potato products served as part of a reimbursable meal or as an a la carte item will not exceed three ounces per serving, may not be offered more than once a week, and students may only purchase one serving at a time.
Fruits and/or vegetables will be offered daily at all points of service. Fruits and vegetables should be fresh whenever possible. Frozen and canned fruits should be packed in natural juice, water, or light syrup.
Schools serving chips must use reduced-fat or baked varieties, rather than the traditional varieties, whenever possible.
Beverages such as tea, lemonade, and fruit drinks containing less than 50 percent fruit juice will not be offered to students.
Ensure than half of the served grains are whole grains.
The most nutritious food items offered will be placed on the serving line(s) first to encourage students to make healthier selections.
Students will be offered a variety of skim and low fat milk, meat and beans, fruits and vegetables, and whole grains on a daily basis.c School staff will support and encourage student participation in the USDA school meals programs.
Wynona School District Will:
engage students and parents, through taste-tests of new entrees and surveys, in selecting foods sold through the school meal programs in order to identify new, healthful and appealing food choices; and
Breakfast
To ensure that all children have breakfast, either at home or at school, in order to meet their nutritional needs and enhance their ability to learn, Wynona School District will:
operate the School Breakfast Program, to the extent possible;
notify parents and students of the availability of the breakfast program, where available; and
encourage parents to provide a healthy breakfast for their children through newsletter articles, take-home materials or other means.
Free and Reduced-Priced Meals
Wynona School District will make every effort to eliminate any social stigma attached to, and prevent the overt identification of, students who are eligible for free and reduced-price school meals. Toward this end, Wynona School District may:
utilize electronic identification and payment system;
promote the availability of school meals to all students;
Summer Meals
Wynona School District in which more than 50 percent of students are eligible for free or reduced-price school meals will sponsor the Summer Food Service Program for at least six weeks between the last day of the academic school year and the first day of the following school year, and preferably throughout the entire summer vacation.
Meal Times and Scheduling
Wynona School District:
will provide students with at least 10 min. to eat after sitting down for breakfast and 20 min. after sitting down for lunch;
should schedule meal periods at appropriate time, e.g., lunch should be scheduled between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.;
should not schedule tutoring, club or organizational meetings or activities during mealtimes, unless students may eat during such activities;
will provide students access to hand washing or hand sanitizing before they eat meals or snacks; and
Qualification of School Food Service Staff
Qualified nutrition professionals will administer the school meal programs. As part of the school district’s responsibility to operate a food service program, Wynona School District will:
provide continuing professional development for all nutrition professionals in schools; and
provide staff development programs that include appropriate certification and/or training programs for child nutrition directors, school nutrition managers and cafeteria workers, according to their levels of responsibility.
Sharing of Foods
Wynona School District should discourage students from sharing their foods or beverages with one another during meal or snack times, given concerns about allergies and other restrictions on some children’s diets.
Other Food Items Sold on School Campuses ( e.g. vending, a la carte, sales)
Per USDA Regulation §210, Appendix B, foods of minimal nutritional value (FMNV) are prohibited from being sold or served during student meal services in the food service area where USDA reimbursable meals are served or eaten;
Per the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004, beverage contracts will not restrict the sale of fluid milk products at any time during the school day or at any place on the school premises;
Per Oklahoma Senate Bill 265 (effective school year 2007-2008), students in elementary schools will not have access to FMNV except on special occasions;
Per Oklahoma Senate Bill 265 (effective school year 2007-2008), diet soda, an FMNV, will be available for sale at the junior high only in vending areas outside of the cafeteria;
Per Oklahoma Senate Bill 265 (effective school year 2007-2008), healthy food options will be provided at the high school and priced lower than FMNV in order to encourage students and staff to make healthier food choices; and
Per Oklahoma Senate Bill 265 (effective school year 2007-2008), students in middle and junior high schools will not have access to FMNV except after school, at events taking place in the evening, and on special occasions.
Fried food items will not be available for sale as a la carte food items.
High energy drinks with elevated levels of caffeine will not be available for sale anywhere on school campus.
Wynona School District Elementary schools: The school food service program will approve and provide all food and beverage sales to students in elementary schools. To this end:
food in elementary schools should be sold as balanced meals, given young children’s limited nutrition skills; and
Snacks
Snacks served during the school day or in after-school care or enrichment programs will make a positive contribution to children’s diets and health, with an emphasis on serving fruits and vegetables as the primary snacks and water as the primary beverage. Wynona School District will assess if and when to offer snacks based on timing of school meals, children’s nutritional needs, children’s ages and other considerations. The district will disseminate a list of healthful snack items to teachers, after-school program personnel and parents.
If eligible, schools that provide snacks through after-school programs will pursue receiving reimbursements through the National Lunch Program.
Food Safety
All foods made available on campus adhere to food safety and security guidelines.
All foods made available on campus comply with the state and local food safety and sanitation regulations. Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) plans and guidelines are implemented to prevent food illness in schools.
For the safety and security of the food and facility, access to the food service operations are limited to child nutrition staff and authorized personnel. For further guidance, see the USDA food security guidelines. This policy suggestion is from the School Nutrition Association.
II. Nutrition Education
Per USDA Regulations §210.12 and §227, nutrition education is offered in the school cafeteria as well as the classroom
Per Oklahoma Senate Bill 1627, the Healthy and Fit School Advisory Committee at each school site will study and make recommendations regarding health education, nutrition, and health services.
Students, parents, and the school staff will participate in an annual school health fair.
Family/parent nutrition education opportunities will be provided.
School staff will promote healthful eating and healthy lifestyles to students and parents.
Wynona School District will provide nutrition education and engage in nutrition promotion that:
is part of not only health education classes, but also classroom instruction in subjects such as math, science, language arts, social sciences, and elective subjects;
includes enjoyable, developmentally appropriate, culturally relevant participatory activities, such as contests, promotions, taste testing, farm visits and school gardens;
promotes fruits, vegetables, whole-grain products, low-fat and fat-free dairy products, healthy food preparation methods and health-enhancing nutrition practices;
emphasizes caloric balance between food intake and energy expenditure (physical activity/exercise);
links with school meal programs, other school foods and nutrition-related community services;
III. Physical Activity
Daily Physical Education
Per Oklahoma Senate Bill 1627, the Healthy and Fit School Advisory Committee at each school site will study and make recommendations regarding physical education and physical activity.
Per Oklahoma Senate Bill 312 (effective school year 2006-2007), Elementary Schools must require a minimum of 60 minutes average per week of physical education or exercise program in grades K-5. Middle and High Schools must offer physical education as an elective.
School sites will establish or enhance physical activity opportunities for students, staff, and parents (fitness challenges, family fitness nights, fun walks and runs, bike events).
Students will be encouraged to participate in voluntary before- and after-school physical activity programs such as intramurals, clubs, and, at the secondary level, interscholastic athletics.
Staff will serve as physical activity role models for students.
“Walk across Oklahoma” is highly recommended for a 5th grade walking plan.
Physical Education courses taught by a certified physical education teacher.
Daily Recess
Elementary schools should provide recess for students that:
is at least 20 minutes a day;
is preferably outdoors;
encourages moderate to vigorous physical activity verbally and through the provision of space and equipment; and
discourages extended periods ( i.e., periods of two or more hours) of inactivity.
When activities, such as mandatory school-wide testing, make it necessary for students to remain indoors for long periods of time, schools should give students periodic breaks during which they are encouraged to stand and be moderately active.
Safe Routes to School
The Wynona School District will:
assess and, if necessary and to the extent possible, make needed improvements to make it safer and easier for students to walk and bike to school;
when appropriate, work together with local public works, public safety or police departments in those efforts;
explore the availability of federal “safe routes to school” funds, administered by the state department of transportation, to finance improvements.
Other School-Based Activities that Promote Student Wellness
Per Oklahoma Senate Bill 1627, each school site will establish a Healthy and Fit School Advisory Committee that meets and makes recommendations to the school principal. The school principal shall give consideration to recommendations made by the Healthy and Fit School Advisory Committee.
Per the school district’s Child Nutrition Programs Agreement, school meals may not be used as a reward or punishment.
Per USDA Regulations §210.12 and §227, students and parents will be involved in the NSLP. Parent and student involvement will include menu-planning suggestions, cafeteria enhancement, program promotion, and other related student-community support activities.
Students will be provided with a clean, safe, and enjoyable meal environment.
Students will be provided with an adequate amount of time to eat breakfast and lunch. A minimum of 15 minutes will be provided at breakfast and 20 minutes at lunch (after students receive their trays).
Students will be involved in planning for a healthy school environment. Students will be asked for input and feedback through the use of student surveys, student committees, and school clubs.
Integrating Physical Activity into Classroom Settings
For students to receive the nationally recommended amount of daily activity (i.e., at least 60 min. per day) and for students to fully embrace regular physical activity as personal behavior, students need opportunities for physical activity beyond physical education class. Schools will:
discourage sedentary activities, such as watching television;
provide opportunities for physical activity to be incorporated into other subjects lessons; and
encourage classroom teachers to provide short physical activity breaks between lessons or classes, as appropriate.
Communication with Parents
The Wynona School District will support parents’ efforts to provide a healthy diet and daily physical activity for their children. The district/school will:
encourage parents to pack healthy lunches and snacks and to refrain from including beverages and foods that do not meet the above nutrition standards for individual foods and beverages;
provide opportunities for parents to share their healthy food practices with others in the school community;
provide information about physical education and other school-based physical activity opportunities before, during, and after the school day;
support parents’ efforts to provide their children with opportunities to be physically active outside of school, and
include sharing information about physical activity and physical education through a web site, newsletter, other take-home materials, special events or physical education homework.
Food Marketing in Schools
School-based marketing will be consistent with nutrition education and health promotion.
Wynona School District will:
promote healthy foods, including fruits, vegetable, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products; and
V. Plan for Measuring Implementation
Monitoring
The superintendent or designee will ensure compliance with established district-wide nutrition and physical activity wellness policy.
In each school:
The principal or designee will ensure compliance with those policies in his/her school and will report on the school’s compliance to the school district superintendent or designee; and
School food service staff, at the school or district level, will ensure compliance with nutrition policies within school food service areas and will report on this matter to the superintendent (or if done at the school level, to the school principal).
In each district:
The school district will report on the most recent USDA School Meals Initiative (SMI) review findings and any resulting changes. If the district has not received a SMI review from the state agency within the past five years, the district will request from the state agency that a SMI review be scheduled as soon as possible;
The superintendent or designee will develop a summary report every three years on district-wide compliance with the district’s established nutrition and physical activity wellness policies, based on input from schools within the district; and
The report will be provided to the school board and also distributed to all school health councils, parent/teacher organizations, school principals and school health services personnel in the district.
Policy Review
To help with the initial development of the district’s wellness policies, each school in the district will conduct a baseline assessment of the school’s existing nutrition and physical activity environments and policies. The results of those school-by-school assessments will be compiled at the district level to identify and prioritize needs.
Assessments will be repeated every three years to help review policy compliance, assess progress and determine areas in need of improvement. As part of that review, the school district will review our nutrition and physical activity policies; provision of an environment that supports healthy eating and physical activity; and nutrition and physical education policies and program elements. The district, and individual schools within the district, will, as necessary, revise the wellness policies and develop work plans to facilitate their implementation.
This School Wellness Policy adopted by the Board of the Wynona School District at the regularly scheduled meeting on this, the _____________ day of __________________ in the year ____________.
Signature
SFA Official Clerk of the Board
Appendices
National Alliance for Nutrition and Activity: www.schoolwellnesspolicies.org
Iowa Online Assessment Tool: http://www.fshn.hs.iastate.edu/schoolnutriton/homepage.htm
Fit, Healthy and Ready to Learn from National Association of School Boards: http://www.nasbe.org/HealthySchools/Sample_Policies.html
School Nutrition Association School Wellness Polices: http://www.schoolnutrition.org/Index.aspx?id=1075
United States Department of Agriculture and TEAM Nutrition School Wellness Policies: http://www.fns.usda.gov/tn/Healthy/wellnesspolicy.html
References: Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004, Public Law 108-265, Section 204.
408
SCHOOL SAFETY AND HEALTH ISSUES
Safe School/Healthy and Fit Kids Advisory Committees
Safety of its students is a primary concern of Wynona Board of Education. The board is aware of the growing concerns about safety that exist throughout the education system and the school community as a whole. A Safe School Committee has been established to address this concern.
Each committee is to be composed of at least seven members, with an equal number of teachers, parents and students, plus a school official who participates in the investigation of reports of harassment, intimidation, bullying and threatening behavior.
The committees shall study and make recommendations to the school principal regarding unsafe conditions, strategies for avoiding harm, victimization, crime prevention, school violence, and other issues, which prohibit maintenance of a safe school.
Additionally the committee shall study and make recommendations regarding student harassment, intimidation and bullying at school. This study and its recommendations shall include
Professional development needs of faculty and staff to implement methods to decrease student harassment, intimidation and bullying at school
Methods to encourage the involvement of the community and students, the development of individual relationships between students and school staff, and the use of problem-solving teams that include counselors and/or school psychologists
Review traditional and accepted harassment, intimidation and bullying prevention programs utilized by other states, state agencies, school districts and/or the State Department of Education.
If a school district implements a commercial bullying prevention program, it shall use a program listed by the State Department of Education.
At district discretion, this Committee shall also comprise the Healthy and Fit School Advisory Committee. Said Committee shall study and make recommendations to the school principal regarding:
Health education;
Physical education and physical activity; and
Nutrition and health services.
Safety Coordinator
In compliance with state law, the board will also designate a safety coordinator for the district. The safety coordinator is given the responsibility to meet with a committee made up of the principal of each of the school sites and the safety committee chairman for each school site in order to review the suggestions made. The safety coordinator will then be responsible for reporting the findings and making recommendations to the superintendent and the board.
Safety Signs
In further compliance with state law, the administrator of each school site shall post a sign in the school building which reads as follows: “Felony charges may be filled against any person committing an aggravated assault or battery upon any school employee.”
Reporting Assaults
Employees who are victims of assault and/or battery while performing school duties shall notify the superintendent, the building administrator or a member of the Safe School Committee of the incident within 30 days of the incident. The building administrator or committee member shall report such incidents to the superintendent. The superintendent shall determine the action to be taken as a result of the incident. The said victim of the assault and/or battery shall be informed of the action taken. If the employee is not satisfied with the action, he or she may ask to be heard by the board of education.
The superintendent shall notify the State Department of Education of all such incidents of the previous year on July 1 of each year. The report shall include a description of the battery or assault and the final disposition of each incident.
Nothing in this policy shall be meant to prevent the school employee himself or herself from filing criminal charges.
Safety Assurance
Wynona Public Schools shall comply with the applicable state and federal regulations governing the safety of district employees and the protection of the environment. The administration will develop such specific regulations and procedures. Each site will work with the district coordinator to ensure compliance as may be necessary for the safety and environmental hazards present in those facilities. The superintendent will establish procedures in an effort to offer reasonable protection for the safety of students, employees, visitors, and others present on school property or at school-sponsored events.
Educational programs shall address the practice of safety in pedestrian safety, driver education, fire prevention, emergency procedures, disaster preparedness, etc., appropriately geared to students in different grade levels. Emphasis on school safety shall include, but is not limited to, in-service training, accident record-keeping, plant inspection, driver and vehicle safety programs, fire prevention, and emergency procedures in traffic problems.
Dissemination of Policy
A copy of this policy will be delivered to each school employee at the beginning of each year.
References: 70 O.S. 24-100.5 (Section 487.a, School Laws of Oklahoma)
70 O.S. 24-100a (Section 488.1, Schools Laws of Oklahoma)
SB 1071, 1996 Legislative Session
HB 1765, 2001 Legislative Session
SB 992, 2002 Legislative Session
SB 1627, 2004 Legislative Session
SB 1941, 2008 Legislative Session
Note #1: The designation of a safety coordinator is also required in current worker’s compensation law.
Note #2: Safety signs and a policy for signs are required by HB 1765, 2001 Legislative Session
409
EMERGENCY PLANS
FIRE DRILLS
LOCKDOWN DRILLS
The principal and faculty members of each school building in Wynona School District will develop and implement fire and emergency procedures for the orderly evacuation of all buildings upon the sounding of a distinctive audible signal designated as the fire alarm. Directions indicating where students are to go and the route to be taken should be posted in each classroom. Teachers are to instruct students in emergency and fire drill procedures and practice those procedures with their students in each class. These procedures will be developed to ensure the complete safety of children and other school personnel.
Fire and emergency drills will be practiced at least two times each semester of the school year. The first fire drill shall be conducted within the first 15 days of each semester. The second fire drill must occur after the first 30 days of each semester. All students and teachers shall participate. The drills will not be announced in advance to any school personnel.
Lockdown drills shall be conducted at least two times per year, with no more than two occurring per semester. No lockdown drill shall be conducted at the same time of day as a previous lockdown drill within the same school year.
Each drill shall be documented in writing at each school site. The records for each fire drill shall be preserved for at least three (3) years and made available to the State Fire Marshal or his designee upon request.
References: 63 O.S. 176 (Section 1043, School Laws of Oklahoma)
Amended by SB 764, Section 1, 1994 Legislative Session
70 O.S. 548, Amended by SB 1941, 2008 Legislative Session
409..R.2
REGULATION
WARNING SYSTEMS FOR
INCLEMENT WEATHER
Wynona Board of Education policy shall be to dismiss school if weather conditions deteriorate to the extent that the safety of students may be jeopardized.
During the tornado season, the school administration will be concerned with tornado watches and tornado alerts. A tornado watch is issued by the weather bureau when conditions are favorable for the development of tornadoes. School will NOT be dismissed because of a tornado watch. However, if a parent is concerned about the safety of a child, the child may be released to the parent’s custody at the school. A tornado warning is issued by the weather bureau when a tornado has been sighted. School will be dismissed if the administration feels that it is safe to do so. Otherwise, students will remain at school and appropriate safety measures shall be taken.
The superintendent and his/her appointees will drive various areas in the school district. Should it be determined that weather conditions are such that it is unsafe to transport students within the district area radio and TV stations, all principals, the food service director, and the technology center superintendent will be contacted.
Each of the people contacted will then contact key individuals in their areas of supervision. The radio stations will broadcast the information concerning closure of schools for the day or the information that buses will be running one hour late, whichever is pertinent. Absent such announcements, students should assume that school will be in session.
Should it become necessary to dismiss school during the school day, all radio stations and bus drivers will be notified by the administration. Students will be dismissed in an orderly fashion once buses have arrived.
409..R.3
REGULATION
FIRE DRILL RULES
The following fire drill rules shall be observed.
1. Escape routes shall be posted in each room.
2. The teacher leads the students, single-file to the primary exit. If the exit is blocked, the secondary exit is to be used.
3. Classroom doors are to be closed by an assigned student.
4. Students are not to talk while exiting the building.
5. There shall be absolutely no horseplay.
6. Teachers will take with them a current grade book for the purpose of checking roll.
7. Teachers are to lead the students away from the building to the predetermined designated area, then have roll call and account for all students.
8. If fire doors close on both primary and alternate routes, use primary route by slowly opening the fire doors.
409..R.4
REGULATION
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
General Emergency Procedures
1. Call 911 if the situation warrants. The decision whether or not to call 911, police, fire department and/or an ambulance rests with the building administrator or designee.
2. The superintendent’s office is to be contacted immediately any time a situation has the potential for generating media coverage. This call should be delegated to an assistant principal, supervisor or secretary so that the administrator in charge is free to deal with the situation.
3. The principal will prepare and coordinate for crisis intervention follow-up with counselors and staff. The principal will also coordinate notification of parents, i.e. calls to parents, sending notes home with students, contacting radio stations, etc.
4. The transportation department will be notified if alternative bus services are needed on the campus.
5. The maintenance department will be notified if the building or school property is damaged.
6. The superintendent shall notify risk management about related insurance and safety issues. Risk management will investigate and collect information for potential claims and litigation.
7. Designated distract liaisons during crisis situations are: fire department, police, sheriff and central office.
Hazardous Materials Incident Procedures
The transportation of hazardous materials over streets and highways is a common occurrence. The possibility of an accident resulting in a spill is ever present; making it necessary for schools to be prepared should a spill occur near a school site.
1. Call 911 and the superintendent’s office. Give the placard number on the truck to police and notify of injuries.
2. The location of a spill could be a significant distance from a school site and, as a result, an employee may have to act relative to a phone call from the police department. All procedures will be followed.
3. If the incident is at a school site, move all students indoors. Shut down all air handling systems.
4. Follow directions of police and civil defense.
5. The building principal will coordinate the contacting of parents.
6. The superintendent or designee will serve as spokesperson to the media.
Medical Emergency/Accident at School Procedures
1. Call 911 and the superintendent’s office.
2. Wear latex gloves in assessing the situation and assisting the individual (s).
3. Notify the parent(s). If a parent is not available, notify the contact person, if appropriate.
4. Access and copy signed “Authorization for Emergency Care to Minor” form.
5. The superintendent or designee will serve as spokesperson to the media.
Gun at School/Shooting at School Procedures
1. Call 911 and the superintendent’s office.
2. Follow police directions.
3. Maintain a calm environment.
4. Move students away from the incident site.
5. Isolate witnesses and preserve the crime scene.
6. The principal will communicate a predetermined code to the faculty, resulting in students being placed in their respective classroom with doors locked.
7. The principal or designee will coordinate notification of parents.
8. The superintendent or designee will serve as spokesperson with the media.
Bomb Explosion Procedures
1. Call 911, report injuries, and call the superintendent’s office.
2. Preserve the area of explosion.
3. Follow the directions of the police department.
4. The principal or designee will coordinate the notification of parents.
5. The superintendent or designee will serve as spokesperson to the media.
Bus Accident/Incident Procedures
The rules and regulations of the State Board of Education provide an investigating officer to investigate all school bus accidents. The responsibility is too great for the driver to decide whether or not the accident should be investigated. An accident may appear to be minor at the time but turn out to be serious later.
A. Bus Incident: Any injury to a passenger, driver, or aide that is not due to a traffic accident will be classified as an incident.
Drivers are to:
1. Wear latex gloves.
2. Assess the injuries.
3. Notify the transportation department.
4. Follow standard procedures, depending on the injury.
5. Report all incidents in writing to the transportation director as soon as the route is completed.
B. Bus Accidents
1. Stop the bus and secure the vehicle.
2. Get the students’ attention. Calm and reassure them. Tell them what to do.
3. Wearing latex gloves, check for injuries to all passengers and the driver. Do not release students from the accident scene without police approval.
4. Call transportation department by radio or phone. Give the following information: Exact location, direction of travel, bus number, nature or emergency, and type of assistance needed.
5. Check for possibilities of fire, i.e. hot tires, engine fire, leaking fuel, smoke, other vehicles.
6. If the bus is not radio equipped and has students on board, fill out an emergency call card and send an adult or responsible student (at least two) to the nearest phone to report the information from the call card.
7. The transportation office will call the police, fire department and others.
8. The driver should never leave the bus unattended.
9. Protect the scene.
a. Activate hazard lights on bus.
b. Protect road evidence.
c. Set out reflectors at least 100 feet behind and in front of the bus.
10. Determine if the bus should be moved.
a. Do not move the vehicle unless in danger or ordered by the police.
b. Determine if the bus is safe in its present location.
c. Determine if the bus is able to move under its own power.
d. Determine if help will be needed to move the bus.
11. Wait for the police, transportation director and/or central office personnel.
a. Do not leave the scene of an accident until the investigation is complete and police have given clearance to leave.
b. When the police releases students, they are to be transported to the nearest school site so that parents can be contacted.
12. Exchange information. Secure names, addresses and phone numbers of other driver(s) and passengers, injured persons, witnesses, and students. From the students obtain grade, age, race, sex and where seated at the time of the accident.
13. Discuss the accident only with authorized persons such as police, the transportation director or central office administrators.
14. Do not talk with others about the accident.
a. Make no statements as to any vehicle defects, payment of damages, or admission of liability. If the driver receives a traffic citation, the superintendent’s office is to be consulted for disposition.
b. The driver should not admit that an accident is his/her fault. The driver may state that he/she is sorry the accident happened and that the accident shall be reported to the insurance company.
c. The driver will not offer to pay damages to the other person. If the school bus driver is at fault, the insurance company will take care of any claims.
d. The driver will not say, “Our insurance company will pay for damages.” It is the insurance adjuster’s responsibility to decide who is to blame and to take care of payments for damages.
e. If a representative of another insurance company or any attorney representing the owner(s) of the other vehicle(s) involved calls or visits the bus driver and wants the driver to make a statement, either written or verbal, the driver is to refuse to comply. The driver may advise that a report was made. The representative of the insurance company will need to contact the school’s insurance company or superintendent. This is very important in settling claims.
15. Administrators and/or the transportation director will contact parents of students on the bus.
16. The superintendent or designee will serve as spokesperson with the media.
410
BOMB THREATS
Wynona Board of Education takes very seriously any threat of violence to the school. Bomb threats of any kind will not be taken lightly. Quick and appropriate measures will be taken to deal with such circumstances. Appropriate discipline will be taken toward any student found to be responsible for such acts.
Details for handling this and other emergencies can be found in Regulation 410..R.1.
410..R.1
REGULATION
BOMB THREAT PROCEDURES
In the event of a call or notice to the effect that a bomb has been placed anywhere on school grounds, the following procedures will be followed:
1. Immediate evacuation of the school and all buildings
2. If the fire and police departments did not receive the original call, they must be notified immediately.
3. The fire department or the county sheriff's deputies shall conduct a search of the building and premises.
’. If a thorough search has been conducted and nothing found, the administrator in charge will notify the fire department personnel and sheriff deputies so that reentry will be permitted.
5. A request for investigation of the incident should be made to the county sheriff.
Any decisions concerning the dismissal of school and subsequent action after the above procedures have been followed is the prerogative of the superintendent.
411
FELONS/SEX OFFENDERS
AND EMPLOYMENT
Wynona Board of Education shall require every person or business having a contract with the school district to perform certain work to submit to the district a signed statement confirming that the person or business has complied with state law concerning felons and sexual offenders. This requirement applies to those performing work on a full-time or part-time basis that would otherwise be performed by school district employees. Such statement shall declare that no employee working on the school premises under the authority of the business has either been found guilty of (1) a felony offense (unless ten years has elapsed or the employee has received a pardon for the offense) or (2) is currently registered under the provisions of the Oklahoma Sex Offenders Registration Act.
In accordance with state law, the board shall dismiss or not reemploy, unless a pardon has been issued, any teacher, support employee, or administrator who, during the term of employment, is convicted of any sex offense subject to the sex offenders registration act of any state or the federal sex offender registration provisions or who is convicted of any felony offense.
The board understands that it is unlawful for any person registered pursuant to the Oklahoma Sex Offenders Registration Act to work with or provide services to children or to work on school premises, or for any person to knowingly and willfully allow such employment. Upon conviction, the violator shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and may also be liable for civil damages.
Reference: SB 1394, 1998 Legislative Session
HB 3144, 1998 Legislative Session
SB 588, 1999 Legislative Session
70 O.S. 6-101.22 (Section 125, School Laws of Oklahoma)
57 O.S. 589 (Section 1042.1, School Laws of Oklahoma)
70 O.S. 6-101.41 (Section 135, School Laws of Oklahoma)
412
CRIMINAL HISTORY RECORD CHECK
Pursuant to 70 O.S. § 5-142, the district shall request a national criminal history record check for any person seeking employment with the school. The prospective employee shall be notified of this requirement at the time of interview. Additionally, the district may initiate such a check of any current employee, in writing, to the State Department of Education.
For the criminal history record check, the prospective employee will be required to furnish his/her fingerprints to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) and must pay to the OSBI the cost of the records search up to $50.00.
If the applicant for employment meets all other criteria for employment in this school district, the applicant may be employed on a temporary basis for up to sixty (60) days pending receipt of the criminal history record search results. If the applicant is offered permanent employment following the review of the records search, the OSBI search fee, if any, will be reimbursed up to a maximum of $50.00.
In the case of substitute teachers, the teacher shall not be required to provide more than one criminal history record check each year. If the substitute teacher teaches in more than one school district, this district shall share results of criminal history record searches when requested.
412..R.1
REGULATION
EMPLOYEE RECORDS INVESTIGATION
PERMISSION
Wynona Public Schools
Employee Acceptance of Records Investigation
The names and fingerprints of applicants for employment with Wynona School District may be submitted to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation for a state and/or national felony records search. Such a search will require that you be fingerprinted by the OSBI, or designee.
I state that I have read the above requirements and do consent to being fingerprinted.
Signed this ______________ day of ________________________, 19 _______.
________________________________________
Applicant’s signature
_______________________________________
Name printed
_______________________________________
Address
_______________________________________
Telephone
413
SEXUAL HARASSMENT
The policy of this school district forbids discrimination against an employee or applicant for employment on the basis of sex. Wynona Board of Education will not tolerate sexual harassment by any of its employees. It is the intent of the Wynona Board of Education to maintain learning and working environment that promotes treating people with dignity and respect. Sexual harassment undermines that effort and is legally classified as sexual discrimination. Therefore, Wynona Public Schools will not tolerate or condone any form of sexual harassment by employees, students, or third parties of the district.
Sexual harassment violates Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, and amended by the Civil Rights Act of 1991. Any employee or student who is subjected to such harassment, including a hostile environment, or who has knowledge of such harassment, should report it to an administrator who is responsible for complaint investigation. The administrator will take steps for further action.
Wynona Board of Education will act to investigate all complaints, formal or informal, verbal or written, of sexual harassment and to discipline any student or employee who sexually harasses a student or employee of the school district.
A Hostile Work Environment
A hostile work environment is defined as an environment that limits or precludes a reasonable employee or student from working to his/her maximum potential. The existence of a hostile work environment shall be decided only after a full review of all relevant circumstances; provided, it shall be a hostile work environment if any employee complains about behavior in writing and such behavior continues or is allowed to continue.
Conduct of a Sexual Nature
1. Conduct of a sexual nature may include verbal or physical advances, including subtle pressure for sexual activity; touching, pinching, patting, or brushing against; comments regarding physical or personality characteristics of a sexual nature; and sexually oriented “kidding,” “teasing,” double meanings, and jokes.
2. When the allegedly harassed employee has indicated, by his or her conduct, that it is unwelcome verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature; the conduct may constitute sexual harassment.
Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when either of the following situations exists:
1. Submission to such conduct is made explicitly or implicitly a term or condition
of an individual’s employment, education, or participation in an educational program or activity.
a. Submission to the conduct or communication that is made either an explicit or implicit condition of employment or education.
b. Submission to or rejection of the conduct or communication that is used as a basis for an employment decision or student evaluation
c. Conduct or communication that substantially interferes with an employee’s work performance or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment.
2. Submission to or rejection of such conduct is used as the basis for evaluation,
particularly in making employment, academic, or activity decisions affecting
the individ adult is sexual harassment for an administrator or supervisor to use his or
her authority to solicit sexual favors or attention from subordinates when the subordinate’s
failure to submit will result in adverse treatment, or when the subordinate’s acquiescence will
result in preferential treatment.
3. Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an
individual’s education or activity, work performance, or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive education or employment environment.
This policy applies to all students, all district employees, and third parties of the district. (Third parties are defined as any individual who enters the school premises other than students or employees, i.e. parents, contractors, and vendors).
Any sexual harassment as defined when perpetrated on any student or employee by any student or employee will be treated as sexual harassment under this policy.
References: Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. 2000e. et seq.
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, 20 U.S.C. 1681-1688
413..R.1
REGULATION DEFINITIONS, REPORTING AND INVESTIGATION OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT
Sexual harassment can occur staff-to-student, student-to-student, staff-to-staff, and student-to-staff (male-to-male, female-to-female, female-to-male, and male-to- female). Sexually harassing behaviors may include, but are not limited to,
1. Verbal harassment or abuse: derogatory comments, slurs, jokes, epithets, sexually suggestive slang.
2. Pressure for sexual activity: continuing to express sexual interest after being informed that the interest is unwelcome. (Reciprocal attraction between peers is not considered sexual harassment.)
3. Unwelcome touching or sexually offensive pranks: bra-snapping, skirt “flip-ups,” pulling down someone’s pants/skirt, and pinching.
4. Unwelcome nonverbal activities: leers, stares, gestures, blocking movement, display of sexually suggestive objects, pictures, or cartoons.
5. Suggesting or demanding sexual involvement as a means to control, influence, or affect the career, salary and/or work environment of another employee or to affect the educational opportunities, grades, honors, programs or activities available to students at or through the school.
An employee or student who has initially welcomed verbal or physical conduct or communication of a sexual nature by active participation must give specific notice to the alleged harasser that such conduct is no longer welcome in order for any such subsequent conduct to be deemed unwelcome.
Reporting Sexual Harassment
Any person who believes he/she has been the victim of sexual harassment by a student or an employee of the school district, or any third person with knowledge or belief of conduct which may constitute sexual harassment should report the alleged acts immediately to an appropriate school district official as designated in this policy. The district encourages the reporting party or complainant to use the report form available from the principal of each building or available from the superintendent’s office.
Students who feel that they have been subjected to sexual harassment are encouraged to report the incident(s) to an appropriate teacher or administrator. If the student’s immediate teacher or administrator is the alleged offender, the report should be made to the next level of administration or to any responsible adult.
School district employees who feel they have been subjected to sexual harassment should report the incident(s) to the site administrator or to the superintendent if the site administrator is the harasser. Sexual Harassment Report Form (Regulation 2) must be completed as part of the documentation necessary to resolve the claim.
School employees and third parties are responsible for reporting alleged violations of the school district’s policy.
Investigating Sexual Harassment
In determining whether conduct constitutes sexual harassment, the circumstances, the nature of the conduct and the context in which the alleged conduct occurred will be investigated. Relationships between the parties involved and the context in which the alleged incident occurred will be a part of the investigation. The superintendent is delegated the authority and the responsibility of investigating and resolving complaints of sexual harassment. The superintendent may designate others to assist in the investigative process. If a third party is designated to investigate an alleged incident, a written report of the status of the investigation shall be submitted within ten working days to the superintendent.
The investigation may consist of personal interviews with the complainant, the individual(s) against whom the complaint is filed, and others who may have knowledge of the alleged incident(s) or circumstances giving rise to the complaint. The investigation may also consist of any other methods and documents deemed pertinent by the investigator.
The district may take immediate steps, at its own discretion, to protect the complainant, students and employees pending completion of an investigation of alleged sexual harassment.
Consequences of Sexual Harassment
Any employee found to have engaged in sexual harassment of students shall be subject to sanctions including, but not limited to, verbal warning, written reprimand, mandatory harassment training, transfer, suspension, or termination of employment subject to applicable procedural and due process requirements.
Any student found to have engaged in sexual harassment while involved in a school activity shall be subject to disciplinary action which may include, but not be limited to, verbal and/or written warning or reprimand, counseling, mandatory harassment training, community service or suspension, consistent with the student discipline code.
Any school district action taken pursuant to this policy will be consistent with other district policies. The board of education will take such disciplinary action it deems necessary and appropriate, including warning, suspension, or immediate discharge to end sexual harassment and prevent its recurrence.
Application
This policy applies to all students, employees (including administrators, teachers, and support staff) and third parties of this school district. Third parties are any individual who enters the school premises who is not a student or an employee. This includes visitors, parents, contractors, consultants and vendors.
It applies to students and employees in connection with all academic, educational, extracurricular, athletic, and other programs of the school, whether they take place in the facilities of the school, on a school bus, at a class or training program sponsored by the school.
Prohibition of Retaliation
The district will discipline any covered individual who retaliates against any person who reports alleged sexual harassment or who retaliates against any person who assists in an investigation or proceeding relating to a sexual harassment complaint. Retaliation includes, but is not limited to, any form of intimidation, reprisal or harassment.
Non-Harassment
The board recognizes that not every advance or consent of a sexual nature constitutes harassment. Whether a particular action or incident is a personal, social relationship without a discriminatory employment effect requires a determination based on all the facts and surrounding circumstances. False accusations of sexual harassment can have a serious detrimental effect on innocent parties, and the bringing of such a false accusation is, and will be treated as, a disciplinary offense.
References: Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. 2000e. et seq.
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, 20 U.S.C. 1681-1688
REGULATION ALLEGED SEXUAL HARASSMENT FORM
Wynona Public Schools
Sexual Harassment Report Form
General Statement
Wynona Public Schools maintains a firm policy prohibiting all forms of discrimination based on sex. Sexual harassment against students or employees is sex discrimination. All persons are to be treated with respect and dignity. Sexual advances or other forms of personal harassment by any person, male or female, that creates a hostile or offensive environment will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
Report
Complainant ______________________________________________________
Home Address _____________________________________________________
Work Address _____________________________________________________
Home Phone ___________________ Work Phone _______________________
Date of Alleged Incident(s) _________________________________________________
Name of person you believe sexually harassed you ______________________________
Where did the incident(s) occur? ____________________________________________
Describe the incident(s) as clearly as possible, including such things as what force, if any, was used; any verbal statements (threats, requests, demands, etc.); what, if any physical contact was involved; what did you do to avoid the situation. Attach additional pages if necessary.
This complaint is filed based on my honest belief that
_____________________________________________________________ has sexually harassed me.
I certify that the information I have provided in this complaint is true, correct and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.
Printed Name of Complainant
_______________________________________________ ___________________
Signature of Complainant Date
Printed Name of Person who Receives Complaint
_______________________________________________ __________________
Received by (Signature) Date
414
TRANSFER AND RELEASE
OF CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION
It shall be the policy of Wynona Board of Education to comply with state and federal laws concerning the dissemination of confidential student information. Thus, no teacher shall reveal any information concerning any child obtained in his or her capacity as a teacher, except as may be required in the performance of his or her contractual duties. However, such information may be furnished to the child’s parent or guardian upon request.
415
GRIEVANCES AND COMPLAINTS
Wynona Board of Education wishes to make the school workplace as positive and productive for faculty and staff as possible. Therefore, the board hereby establishes a procedure for employees to have individual concerns or grievances relating to their terms and conditions of employment addressed in a professional and orderly fashion.
This procedure is designed to solve individual problems on as low a level as reasonable and as quickly as feasible in an attempt to prevent minor problems from becoming major ones. The final authority in resolving such grievances is the board of education.
This policy is meant to provide an avenue for resolution in situations not addressed by a negotiated agreement.
415..R 1
REGULATION
PROCEDURES FOR GRIEVANCES AND COMPLAINTS
Purpose the purpose of this procedure is to secure at the lowest possible level equitable solutions to issues that may arise with respect to an employee’s terms and conditions of employment.
Definitions A Grievance is a claim by an employee that there has been a violation, misinterpretation or misapplication of an established board policy or established district administrative regulation that has specifically affected that employee’s terms and conditions of employment.
The “grievant” is the employee making the claim.
" Days” shall mean the days when the school district central office is open for business.
Procedure
Level I — Informal Resolution---Immediate Supervisor
An employee with a grievance shall first discuss the concern individually with the immediate supervisor within ten (10) days of the alleged violation, citing the specific policy or regulation alleged to have been violated, with the objective of resolving the grievance informally. No written record will be made. However, a memo signed by both parties giving the date of the meeting shall be prepared.
Level II —Formal Resolution—Immediate Supervisor
If the employee is not satisfied with the discussion of the grievance at Level I, the employee may file the grievance with the immediate supervisor in writing, using the official form which is a part of this procedure, within five (5) days of the Level I meeting.
The immediate supervisor shall schedule and hold a meeting with the grievant within five (5) days after receipt of the written grievance and shall transmit a written decision to the grievant within five (5) days of the meeting.
Level III —Formal Resolution — Superintendent
If the grievant is not satisfied with the disposition of the grievance at level II, he or she may file an appeal with the superintendent in writing, using the official grievance form which is a part of this procedure, within five (5) days of the Level II response.
The superintendent or the superintendent’s designee shall schedule and hold a meeting with the grievant within ten (10) days after receipt of the appeal and shall transmit a written decision to the grievant within five (5) days of the meeting.
Level IV — Formal Resolution—Board of Education
If the grievant is not satisfied with the disposition of the grievance at Level III, he or she may file an appeal with the board of education in writing, using the official grievance form which is a part of this procedure, within five (5) days of the Level III response.
The board will hear the appeal at its next regularly scheduled meeting or a special meeting that has been called for that purpose within forty-five (45) days of the receipt of the appeal. The board shall transmit its written decision to the grievant within five (5) days of the meeting. The decision of the board shall be final and nonappealable.
General Provisions
The grievant shall have sole responsibility for pursuing the grievance through all levels and within the time limits specified in these procedures.
Failure at any level of this procedure to appeal to the next level within the specified time limits shall be deemed to be acceptance by the grievant of the decision at that level.
Failure at any level of this procedure to respond to a grievance within the specific time limits shall permit the grievant to appeal to the next level.
Time limits at any level may be extended by mutual agreement, and such agreements shall be made in writing and placed in the record for that grievance.
A grievance, which arises from an action of an authority above the level of immediate supervisor, may be initiated at Level III of this process.
Evidence and testimony presented by the grievant at any level of this procedure shall be limited to that which was presented at previous levels.
Copies of official grievances, all documents, communications and records dealing with the processing of a grievance will be filed in a separate grievance file and will not be kept in the personnel files of the grievant.
No reprisals shall be taken against the grievant or other participants in the grievance procedure by reason of such participation.
415..R.2
REGULATION
GRIEVANCE/COMPLAINT FORM
Wynona Public Schools
Grievance/Complaint Form
Level (Check one) II. _____ III. ______ IV. _______
Name of Grievant: ______________________ Assignment _______________________
Date of occurrence giving rise to the grievance: ________________________________
Citation of specific board policy or administrative regulation alleged to have been violated.
Statement of Grievance __________________________________________________
Relief Sought __________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
___________________________________ _________________________________
Signature of Grievant Date
Decision and Supporting Reason (s) __________________________________________
___________________________________ __________________________________
Signature and Title Date
If additional space is needed to complete any segment(s) of this form, attach and properly identify additional pages.
416
BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS Wynona Board of Education recognizes that body fluids of any person may contain infectious or contagious bacteria or viruses, and that such bacteria or viruses may be spread form one person to another by accidental or careless handling of body fluids during sanitation or custodial work or the administration of emergency first aid.
The superintendent is directed to prepare regulations establishing proper procedures for handling body fluids during normal school day activities. Such procedures shall include methods for the handling and disposal of body fluids in school buildings and on school equipment and material. The district will make personal protective equipment available to employees for use in handling and disposing of body fluids.
The superintendent will also direct the identification of employees who could be reasonably anticipated as the result of their job duties to face contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials. Any employees so identified will be offered Hepatitis B vaccinations at district cost. Such vaccinations will be provided at a reasonable time and place, under the supervision of a licensed physician or health care professional and according to the latest recommendations of the U.S. Public Health Service.
School district employees who have had an exposure incident to body fluids will participate in a follow-up confidential medical evaluation documenting the circumstances of exposure, identifying and testing the source individual if feasible, testing the exposed employee’s blood if the employee consents, post-exposure prophylaxis, counseling and evaluation of reported illnesses. Health care professionals must be provided specified information to facilitate the evaluation and their written opinion on the need for Hepatitis B vaccination following exposure. Information such as employee’s ability to receive the Hepatitis B vaccine must be supplied to the employer. All diagnoses must remain confidential.
References: 29 CRF, Section 1910.1030, Bloodborne Pathogens News, OSHA
Hepatitis B Policy Revision, United States Department of Labor,
July 6, 1992
416..R.1
REGULATION
HANDLING BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS
In accordance with the policy of Wynona Board of Education, the following regulations and procedures contain guidelines for cleaning and disposal of body fluids. For the purpose of this regulation, the term “body fluids” shall include reference to blood, semen, feces, urine, vomit, drainage from scrapes and cuts, and respiratory secretions such as nasal discharge. Body fluids of all people should be considered to contain potentially infectious agents (germs, bacteria or viruses). Diseases such as hepatitis, shigella, salmonella and AIDS are transmitted through body fluids.
The following guidelines are established for the protection of all personnel. These procedures are to be followed when cleaning up and disposing of body fluids, including when providing first aid.
Wear gloves. All personnel will wear disposable latex gloves during the cleanup and disposal of any of the body fluids listed above. When in doubt about material, assume it to be a body fluid. After any material is removed and disposed, the gloves should be destroyed or disposed.
If gloves are not available and contact with body fluids or open wounds is necessary, hands should be carefully washed as follows:
Use hot water and liquid soap with vigorous washing under running water for at least 10 seconds.
Dry hands thoroughly with a paper towel. Use the paper towel to turn off the faucet and discard the towel in a proper container.
Use hand lotion if desired. CAUTION: Dry, cracked hands provide openings in the skin for bacteria to enter.
A 1 to 10 solution of household bleach and water may be stored in proper containers in areas where soap and water are not readily available. The solution may be used in cleaning body fluid spillage and hands if soap and water are not available following the cleanup.
Materials used in the cleanup of body fluids or suspected body fluids will be sealed in a plastic bag and discarded in appropriate trash containers. Soiled clothing articles, including sanitary napkins will be sealed in plastic bags and discarded. Other non-disposable cleaning items such as mops, towels, buckets and other items will be thoroughly rinsed in the bleach and water solution or carefully washed in hot, soapy water.
Personnel will use the same procedures for washing non-disposable cleaning equipment as for handling body fluids and soiled clothing or other personal apparel.
Sanitary absorbents may be used to clean spilled body fluids. The absorbent should be swept up or vacuumed. Carpets should be shampooed with a germicidal rug shampoo. Sweepings or used vacuumed bags should be sealed in a plastic bag for disposal. Brooms, dustpans and vacuum brushes should be washed in a solution of one part bleach to ten parts water.
Any liquid disinfectant used in cleaning floors, equipment or materials should be discarded in a suitable and appropriate sewage drain.
Clothing, towels and similar cleaning equipment or materials should be washed in hot, soapy water with one-half to one cup of bleach added to the wash water.
Careful hand washing is the single most effective method of preventing the spread of contagious diseases. Hands should be washed in hot, soapy water before and after any cleanup operation.
A copy of these routine procedures for sanitation and hygiene when handling body fluids will be provided to each employee and must be followed when appropriate and necessary.
If an employee is exposed to blood, he/she will be offered a Hep B shot at that time.
References: U. S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 29 CFR Part 1910.1030
Oklahoma Department of Labor and Oklahoma Statutes, Title 40, Section
401
Printed materials, “Bloodborne Pathogens,” Andrea Kunkel, at the office of Rosenstein, Fist and Ringold
417
DRUG-FREE WORK PLACE
In recognition of the clear danger resulting from drug abuse and in a good faith effort to promote the health, safety, and welfare of employees, students, and the community as a whole, it shall be the policy of Wynona Board of Education to provide a drug-free workplace in compliance with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendment of 1989 (P.L. 101-226).
Chemical dependence is a contagious, progressive disease that does not disappear of its own accord. Because drugs have a destructive impact on the brain, regular users lose control over their behavior, and most of them find it extremely difficult to stop using drugs without outside intervention. Using a drug just one time predisposes a person to try it again because the person has apparently violated a taboo with impunity. For additional health hazards associated with drug and alcohol use, refer to the district’s drug education curriculum.
Any student or employee of this school district who believes that he or she may have a problem with drug abuse may be referred to appropriate local agencies for counseling, treatment or rehabilitation. For additional information concerning assistance available, contact the district’s administrators or counselors.
Employment and a Drug-Free Workplace Student and employee safety is of paramount concern to the board. Employees under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or controlled substances are a serious risk to themselves, to students and to other employees. Therefore the board shall not tolerate the unlawful manufacture, use, possession, sale, distribution or being under the influence of drugs or controlled substances. Nor shall the board tolerate the unlawful use of, or being under the influence of, alcohol by an on-duty employee. Any employee who violates this policy will be subject to disciplinary action, which may include employment termination.
When it is evident that a staff member has consumed alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs off school property and/or before a school activity, the staff member will not be allowed on school property or to participate in school activities. Staff members who violate this policy will be subject to the same penalties as for possession or consumption on school property.
Each employee of Wynona School District is hereby notified that, as a condition of employment, the employee must abide by the terms of this policy. The employee will notify the superintendent of any criminal drug statute conviction for a violation occurring in or on the premises of this school district or while engaged in regular employment. The employee shall make such notification to the superintendent no later than five days after conviction.
Within thirty days following receipt of the above notification, the district will take appropriate disciplinary action that may include termination or the requirement that the employee participate in a drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program.
Drug-Free Awareness Program Education: Because it is the policy of the board of education to promote prevention, information about a drug-free awareness program will be made available to inform employees about (1) the dangers of drug abuse in the workplace, (2) the district policy of maintaining a drug-free workplace; (3) available drug counseling, rehabilitation and employee assistance programs, and (4) penalties that may be imposed upon employees for drug abuse violations occurring in the workplace.
Assistance: Employees who have a drug abuse problem shall be encouraged to seek professional assistance. Any employee who requests assistance shall be referred to a treatment facility or agency in the community if such facility or agency is available.
Notification itis a requirement of Wynona Board of Education that each current employee shall be notified of this policy in writing and future employees shall be notified in writing upon employment. This statement shall be published in other appropriate documents for proper distribution and posted at appropriate work sites.
The board hereby commits itself to continuing good faith effort to maintain a drug-free workplace. This policy shall be communicated in writing to all present and future employees.
417..R.1
REGULATION
DRUG-FREE EMPLOYEE CERTIFICATION
Wynona Public Schools
Employee Certification for Drug-Free Schools
This is to certify that on (date)______________________________ I received a
copy of the policy pertaining to the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989,
P.L. 101-226, and policy of Wynona School District.
____________________________________________________
(employee’s signature)
____________________________________________________
(Signature of Witness)
418
DRUG SCREENING
It is the policy of Wynona Board of Education to comply with the Omnibus Transportation Testing Act of 1991 and to establish programs that help prevent accidents and injuries resulting from misuse of alcohol and controlled substances by drivers of commercial vehicles. This policy and the regulations that follow apply to all school employees holding a Commercial Driver’s License and using school vehicles.
Every employee of this school district shall be made aware of the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse and federal requirements concerning substance abuse.
Policy Objectives
1. To create and maintain a safe, drug-free environment for all employees
2. To encourage any employee with a dependence on, or addiction to, alcohol or other drugs to seek help in overcoming the problem
3. To reduce problems of absenteeism, tardiness, carelessness and/or other unsatisfactory matters related to job performance
4. To reduce the likelihood of incidents of accidental personal injury and/or damage to students, property, equipment or buses.
Implementation Substance abuse, whether on or off the job, that affects an employee’s work is prohibited. The board insists that all employees report to work without any alcohol or illegal or mind altering substances in their systems.
Employees must inform their supervisor when they are legitimately taking medication, which may affect their ability to work in order to avoid creating safety problems and violating the federal laws.
Reference: 40 O.S. 554 (Section 761, School Laws of Oklahoma)
Printed materials, State Department of Education, February 1995, and undated materials of the State Department of Education
Note: School Districts may not request or require an applicant or employee to undergo drug or alcohol testing unless the district has a detailed policy. (Section 162, School Laws of Oklahoma)
418..R.1
REGULATION
PROCEDURES FOR DRUG SCREENING
Drug Screening
Enforcement of the drug screening policy requires that bus drivers of Wynona Public Schools be tested on a random basis. The board reserves the right to require all transportation employees to submit, at any time an employee is on duty, to drug tests to determine the presence of prohibited substances.
Bus drivers will undergo testing at scheduled physical examinations once a year and on a random basis without advance notice. Bus drivers may be tested at any time the superintendent has reasonable cause to request testing. The district will pay for all requested tests. Once the results of the test are available, the board has the final decision as to personnel actions to be taken. A positive result is just cause for immediate termination of employment.
Drug Searches The board reserves the right to search desks, cabinets, tool boxes, vehicles, including personal vehicles brought on school property, bags or any other property at the school or in vehicles when the board has reasonable cause to believe an employee has violated alcohol and drug policies.
Enforcement Violation of these rules, including testing positive, will subject the employee to discipline, including discharge. Refusal to cooperate with the board in any test or investigation will result in discipline, including discharge as appropriate under federal and state laws.
418..R.2
REGULATION
DRUG SCREENING CONSENT FORM
Wynona Public Schools
Drug Screening Consent Form
I have read the Drug Screening Policy and Drug Screening Regulation and I agree to abide by Wynona School District’s drug and alcohol rules. I agree to submit to drug and alcohol tests at any time as a condition for my initial or continued employment. I authorize any laboratory or medical provider to release test results to this school district, its board and its superintendent.
I expressly authorize Wynona Board of Education to release any test-related information, including positive results, to the Oklahoma Unemployment Compensation Commission or other government agency investigating my employment or the termination thereof.
I understand that this agreement in no way limits my right to terminate my employment or be terminated in accordance with federal and state law.
_________________________________ _______________________
Employee Date
_________________________________ _______________________
Superintendent or Designee Date
419
SUSPECTED CHILD ABUSE AND/OR NEGLECT
Wynona Board of Education supports the Oklahoma Department of Human Services in its search for physical injury or abuse. All employees are obligated to report any suspected child abuse and/or neglect.
Reporting Every certified or support employee responsible for a child under the age of eighteen (18) years of age and having reason to believe that any such child has had physical injury or injuries inflicted upon him/her by other than accidental means where the injury appears to have been caused as a result of physical abuse, sexual abuse, or neglect, shall report the matter promptly to the county office of the Department of Human Services (DHS) in the county wherein the suspected injury occurred.
Anytime a possible abuse situation is suspected through observation of the student or by disclosure from the student, school personnel shall take immediate action. Reporting obligations are individual; however, school personnel shall inform the building principal or principal’s designee and may request assistance with the reporting process.
The initial report shall be made directly to a DHS worker by telephone, in writing or in person. Any report of abuse or neglect shall be made in good faith.
No Wynona Public School employee shall be impeded or inhibited by the employer, a supervisor, or an administrator from reporting in good faith. Any employee making a report, providing information, and/or testifying shall not be discriminated or retaliated against provided that the employee did not perpetrate or inflict the abuse or neglect. Any employer, supervisor, or administrator who discharges, discriminates, or retaliates against an employee making a report shall be liable for damages, costs, and attorney fees.
Any person, who knowingly and willfully fails to report promptly any incident may be reported by the DHS to local law enforcement for criminal investigation and, upon conviction thereof, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
Immunity- Immunity is provided from any civil or criminal liability, when an individual in good faith reports, allows access to a child by persons authorized to investigate a report, or participates in judicial proceedings.
Investigating/Interviewing- A witness shall be present whenever it becomes necessary for the principal or a designated Wynona Public School employee to check a student for signs of suspected abuse and/or neglect. Both parties shall be responsible for documenting the necessary check of a student.
Wynona Public Schools shall allow DHS workers to interview and examine a child at a school site when a report of suspected abuse and/or neglect has been made. Investigators shall show appropriate identification to the building principal or principal’s designee prior to conducting an interview with a student.
School District Representatives during the Interview
1. Any investigation resulting from a referral by school district employees that leads to an interview held during the regular school day shall be attended by the principal or principal’s designee.
5. All interviews of elementary and middle school students conducted by DHS during the regular school day shall be attended by the principal or principal’s designee.
6. any investigation resulting from a referral by an outside source which leads to any interview held during the regular school day shall be attended by the principal or the principal’s designee in the elementary school and the middle school.
7. A witness may be present at the discretion of the student in grades eight through twelve. The principal or principal’s designee shall be available to witness the interview as soon as possible upon the arrival of the DHS investigator. The principal or principal’s designee shall not be a vocal participant in the investigation.
Confidentiality-Public Schools shall maintain all records concerning child abuse in a confidential manner. Any employee convicted of a violation of the confidentiality requirements of the Oklahoma Child Abuse Reporting and Prevention Act shall be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by up to six (6) months in jail or fine of five hundred ($500) dollars or both.
Reference: 10 O.S. 7101-3 (Section 823, School Laws of Oklahoma)
419..R.1
REGULATION
SUSPECTED CHILD ABUSE AND/OR NEGLECT
REPORTING PROCEDURES
Wynona Public Schools Suspected Child Abuse Report will include
1. The names and addresses of the student and parents or other persons responsible for the student’s care
2. The student’s age
3. The nature and extent of the student’s injuries, including any evidence of previous injuries
4. The nature and extent of the student’s dependence on a controlled dangerous substance
5. Any other information that the maker of the report believes might be helpful in establishing the cause of the injuries
6. The identity of the person(s) responsible, any information or any part of any information of the abuse or neglect known to the person making the report
School nurses are designated to oversee all official suspected child abuse reports with a centralized filing system. When a child progresses from the elementary level (K-5) to the secondary level (6-12), copies of any suspected child abuse and/or neglect reports and documentation on file with the elementary nurse will be transferred to the secondary nurse. All child abuse reports will be transmitted under separate cover as “Confidential File.”
All employees of the district will receive information about the reporting process and procedures to be followed during the yearly OSHA training.
420
PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT
Wynona Board of Education holds the philosophy that parents, and the community as a whole, are very important to the success of the school district. In implementation of this belief and in compliance with the State Department of Education standards, the board will involve parents in school activities, utilize parental and community resources in the instructional/learning program of the school. Also, the board promotes the use of school facilities before and after regular school hours for parent and community involvement.
The board further encourages private employers to give time off to employees who have school-age children for attending parent-teacher conferences at least once each semester.
The board expects an effective system of communication to exist between and among school district patrons, the board of education, administrative staff, teachers, support personnel and students. In the belief that this “open communication” concept should prevail, board members individually, as well as the board as a whole, pledges every effort to maintain open channels for discussion with any person whatever the issue or concern might be.
As a further indication of the board’s support of the community and community activities, the board has determined that no school facilities or school staff shall be utilized for student participation, direction or purpose on Sunday or holidays or on Wednesday after 6:00 p.m. Exceptions shall be unavoidable scheduling conflicts.
References: Printed materials State Department of Education, “Standards for Accreditation Oklahoma Schools,” 2002
Policy required by State Department of Education
421
SCHOOL VISITORS
Wynona Board of Education believes that parent involvement is one of the ingredients of a successful school. Parents are welcome to visit the school; however, parents and other adult visitors must sign in at the main office of the school and obtain a visitor’s tag. Teachers and staff members are asked to approach any unfamiliar person in the building who is not wearing an ID badge or visitor tag and offer to assist him or her. Upon determination that the visitor has not been authorized to be in the building, the teacher or staff member should direct the person to the office for the appropriate visitor tag and also notify the office immediately so that the visitor can be expected.
The principal or principal’s designee shall have the authority to order any person out of the school building and off school property when it appears that the presence of such person is a threat to the peaceful conduct of school business and school classes. Any person refusing to leave should be reported to an appropriate peace officer. Any such ban is subject to appeal under the attached regulation.
Granting permission to visit a classroom in session will be at the option of the school administrator.
No salesman or vendor is permitted to interview staff members during the school day on school premises without permission from the principal or supervisor. No advertisements or other propaganda will be circulated or posted without permission of the administration.
Wynona School District has a “No Visitor” policy when school is in session for school-aged relatives and friends of students.
Reference: 70 O.S. 24-131-131.2 (Section 513-513.2, School Laws of Oklahoma
21O.S. 1375-76 (Section 1038-39, School Laws of Oklahoma)
SB439, 2001 Legislative Session
421..R.1
REGULATION APPEAL PROCESS FOR BANNED VISITORS -any iidual ordered to leave the school building or school grounds, pursuant to this policy and state law, shall have the right to a hearing concerning this action.
The procedure for appeals shall be as follows:
1. Any person removed from the school grounds or a school building shall be given written notice of his right to appeal.
2. The person so banned may, within 14 days, make a written request to the school superintendent or designee for removal of the ban.
3. The superintendent or designee may choose to remove the ban and, if so, will do so in a written letter, which will be sent to the banned individual. A copy will be sent to all administrators and security personnel of the district.
4. If the superintendent denies removal of the ban, the affected individual may then appeal to the board of education. If the board approves removal of the ban, it shall direct the superintendent to report the action in a letter to all district administrators and security personnel.
8. If the board denies the appeal, a letter so stating the action shall be sent to the individual, all administrators and security personnel. Such ban will exist up to six months, with time to be designated in the letter. The time of the ban may be extended subject to additional violation of state statute by the named individual.
Any person who fails to leave the school as directed or returns within the six months without permission of the superintendent or designee shall be guilty of a misdemeanor according to 21 O.S., Section 1376.
Reference: 21 O.S. 1376 (Section 1039, School Laws of Oklahoma)
SB 439, 2001 Legislative Session 422
PARENTAL INSPECTION
OF SEX EDUCATION MATERIALS
Wynona School District superintendent of schools or his/her designee shall review all materials and curriculum used in the teaching of sex education, including programs, textbooks, or tests. The superintendent or designee shall give written notification to parents of their right to inspect materials and curriculum to be presented in the sex education program and of the right of any student not to participate.
A letter containing the information about the rights of parental inspection and student nonparticipation shall be sent to the parent or guardian of each student eligible for the curriculum, materials, or program. Such notification should be sent no later than ten days before the presentation of the sex education curriculum or class.
Parent permission for student attendance in the sex education classes is required for grades 4-6. If a parent or guardian of a student in grades 7-12 objects in writing, the student will not be allowed to attend these presentations.
Any materials and curriculum used by the school district in the teaching of sex education shall always include the teaching of abstinence.
423
SCHOOL VOLUNTEERS
The Board values the unique contributions made by parent and community volunteers to the educational programs of the school district. Accordingly, the Board encourages the use of parent and community volunteers, subject to certain requirements and procedures as set forth below:
1. Definition and Qualifications – A volunteer is defined as any individual who performs a service for the school district without compensation, remuneration or other consideration and who otherwise meets the requirements of this policy. A volunteer must be at least 18 years of age. A volunteer need not be a parent of a student enrolled in the school district.
2. Volunteer Status – Under no circumstances shall a volunteer be considered an employee or independent contractor of the school district. A volunteer shall not receive wages, salary or other valuable consideration for the performance of his or her services; provided, however that, without altering a person’s status as a volunteer, the superintendent, in his or her sole discretion, may reimburse costs incurred by volunteers. Holding the position of a volunteer is not a right, but a privilege conferred upon the volunteer by the Board, acting through the building principal of each school within the school district.
3. Scope of Activity – The role of volunteers is to assist—but not replace or assume—the professional or paraprofessional responsibilities or authority of the school district staff. The principal shall assign volunteers to particular classrooms or duties at his/her discretion. Such assignments may be revised or revoked at any time by the superintendent or principal. Volunteers shall not provide regular instruction or educational training to students enrolled in the school district. The following list is provided to assist in understanding the scope of permissible volunteer activities:
a. Volunteers are permitted to:
i. Chaperon and monitor students at various school events (i.e., during a pep rally or field trip);
ii. Type or perform other data entry tasks assigned by teachers or teachers’ aides;
iii. Make photocopies of or otherwise reproduce documents;
iv. Stock and organize classroom supplies (i.e., paper, pencils, crayons, etc.);
v. Prepare classroom for activities specified by teachers or teachers’ aides and clean up classroom after such activities;
vi. Prepare bulletin boards or decorate classroom at direction of teachers or teachers’ aides.
b. Volunteers may undertake activities that are in addition to or different from those listed above, so long as such activities are in support and at the direction of the professional and paraprofessional staff, and provided that such activities do not conflict with the requirements of this policy or the additional procedures established by the school district.
c. Under no circumstances shall volunteers be permitted to administer or enforce discipline upon students enrolled in the school district.
d. Volunteers shall follow all applicable administrative procedures established pursuant to this policy and shall follow all other rules, regulations and administrative guidelines concerning the conduct of the professional and paraprofessional staff of the school district; provided, however that such rules, regulations and administrative procedures and guidelines shall not be deemed to expand the responsibility, authority or scope of activity applicable to volunteers under this policy.
4. Safety Requirements
a. Prior to providing volunteer services, a volunteer (except for the parent or guardian of a student who is accompanying his/her child’s class on a field trip or on another type of occasional extra-curricular activity) shall be required to complete, submit for approval, pay for and file in the office of the superintendent a criminal background investigation using the person’s name, date of birth, gender, race and Social Security number if available. If a background check conducted from these criteria fails to return the requested information, a background check using fingerprints will be done. After the initial criminal background investigation, volunteers shall report any subsequent criminal convictions to the district. If an individual refuses to submit to the background investigation, the individual shall not be eligible to be a volunteer for the school district.
b. Except in the case of an emergency, volunteers shall not administer first aid or other medical assistance to students.
c. Except as specifically authorized by the Board on a case by case basis, volunteers shall not be permitted to operate any motor vehicles owned by or under the control of the school district, and volunteers shall not be permitted to transport students by motor vehicle in support of any school program.
5. Confidentiality
a. No volunteer shall be permitted to access, review, disclose, or use confidential student information, or participate in conversations in which confidential student information is discussed. Examples of such information include, but are not limited to, the following: grades or other measures of academic performance, class standing, standardized or other test scores, attendance records, disciplinary history, intelligence test scores, personality and interest test scores, individualized education plans, health data, family background information, teacher or counselor ratings and observations, and any other verified or unverified information contained in a student’s file maintained by the teachers, administrators or schools within the school district. If volunteers have questions about the confidentiality of student information, they are encouraged to consult with the building principal and/or review the school district’s policy manual as it relates to such matters.
b. Each volunteer shall keep strictly confidential all information he or she may learn, during the course of performing services, about the students enrolled in the school district.
6. Delegation of Duties – Upon superintendent approval, each school within the school district may adopt its own administrative procedures for the recruitment, selection and assignment of volunteers; provided, however, that the following minimal requirements shall apply to all such procedures:
a. Each building principal or designee shall be responsible for training the volunteers to perform the specific duties associated with their assignments.
b. Each building principal or designee shall assume general authority and responsibility over the volunteers performing services of any kind at or on behalf of the school.
c. No such procedures adopted by the schools within the school district shall be inconsistent with the terms and conditions of this policy.
7. Acknowledgment – All such procedures adopted by the schools within the school district shall be subject to the approval of the superintendent. Each volunteer shall affirm in writing that he or she has been provided with a copy of, has read, understands and agrees to comply with this policy.
424
Asbestoses Policy
Wynona Public Schools Asbestoses Policy will be maintained in the Superintendent’s office in the administration building. A prior 24 hour notice will need to be given to review said policy.
Section 500
Table of Contents
SECTION 500 TABLE OF CONTENTS
PERSONNEL
General 501 Selection and Assignment
501..R.1 Personnel Interview Procedures for Teaching Positions
501..R.2 Selection of Support Personnel
501..R.3 Loyalty Oath
502 Line of Authority
503 Cooperative Efforts
504 Blank
505 Fringe Benefits
506 Sick Leave
507 Sick Leave Bank
507..R.1 Use of Sick Leave Bank
508..R.1 Request for Personal Business Day
509 Blank
510 Other Leave
510..R.1 Request for Use of Professional Day
511 Temporary Leaves of Absence
512 Travel and Expense Reimbursement
512..R.1 Guidelines for Travel and Expense Reimbursement
512..R.2 Expense Voucher
513 Employee Ethics
514 Salary Schedule
515 – 524 NOT USED
Administration
525 School Administration
525..R.1 Superintendent of Schools
525..R.2 Principal
526 Evaluation of Administrators 526..R.1 Evaluation of the Superintendent
526..R.2 Evaluation of the Principal
527 Teacher Work Day
528 – 534 (NOT USED)
Faculty 535 Teacher Contract 535..R.1 Job Description – Teacher
535..R.2 Job Description – School Counselor
535..R.3 Job Description – School Librarian/Media Center Director
536 Faculty: Professional Growth 537 Faculty Evaluation
537..R.1 Faculty Evaluation Form
537..R.2 Standards of Conduct and Performance
537..R.3 Counselor Evaluation Form
537..R.4 Staff Evaluation Review Committee
538 Involuntary Reduction in Force: Certified Staff 538..R.1 Implementation of Involuntary Reduction in Force: Certified Staff
539 Substitute Teachers
539..R.1 Guidelines for Substitute Teachers
540– 549 (NOT USED)
Support Employees 550 Support Staff
550..R.1 Minutes Clerk
550..R.2 Treasurer
550..R.3 Encumbrance Clerk
550..R.4 School Secretary
550..R.5 Activity Fund Clerk
550..R.6 Superintendent’s Secretary
550..R.7 Not Used
550..R.8 Food Service Manager
550..R.9 Cook
550..R.10 Lunchroom Assistant
550..R.11 Custodian
550..R.12 Maintenance
550..R.13 Bus Driver
551 Support Staff Evaluation 551..R.1 Performance Review of Non-Certified Staff
552 Suspension, Demotion or Termination of Support Employees 552..R.1 Employee Acknowledgement Letter
553 Vacations and Holidays
554 Involuntary Reduction in Force: Support Staff
554..R.1 Procedures for Involuntary Reduction in Force: Support Staff
Schools, 2002, pp. 31-38
501
PERSONNEL SELECTION AND ASSIGNMENT
Selection of Certified Personnel
In carrying out its belief that the quality of its teachers is the single most important ingredient of a school district, Wynona Board of Education shall seek to attract and retain the services of well-qualified, competent teachers. The board shall select teachers on a basis of professional qualifications, and those teachers shall enter into a contract with the school district upon employment. No teacher will be employed who does not meet accrediting standards established by the Oklahoma State Department of Education. All teachers shall register their certificates and transcripts in the office of the superintendent before assuming their teaching duties with the school system.
Selection of Non-Certified Personnel
It is the intention of Wynona Board of Education that employees be selected on a professional basis so that the person most qualified for the job will be selected. Upon employment the staff member shall enter into a contract with the school district.
Nepotism Restriction
Wynona Board of Education realizes, however, that it is unlawful for any person to be employed or put under contract if that person is related to a member of the board within the second degree of blood or marriage. Further, no employee shall be in an evaluative or supervisory position over a member of his or her immediate family.
Assignment
The superintendent, with assistance from the school site principals, shall be responsible for the assignment of all personnel. However, such assignments may be delegated to site principals. Assignments shall be based on the requirements of each position and the qualifications of individuals being considered for the position.
Orientation
Orientation and staff development in-service programs shall provide initial assistance for beginning staff and faculty and encourage continual professional growth.
References: 70 O.S. 5-113.1 (Section 61, School Laws of Oklahoma)
70 O.S. 6-190 (Section 180.10, School Laws of Oklahoma)
HB 1549, Section 11, 1995 Legislative Session
State Department of Education, Standards for Accreditation of Oklahoma
501..R.1
REGULATION
PERSONNEL INTERVIEW PROCEDURES
FOR TEACHING POSITIONS
This personnel interview/selection process is to be utilized in determining a candidate to recommend to the board of education for regular employment. In the event that a candidate is being selected to fill a temporary position (contract for less than one year), the principal may interview and select a candidate to recommend from a pool of available applicants. The temporary position will be re-advertised at the end of the temporary contract and this interview/selection process will be followed in determining a candidate to recommend to the board of education for regular employment.
1. "Authorization to Post Certified Vacancy" form must be submitted by principal. The vacancy must be posted for five (5) days.
2. Following the posting period, the principal will screen applications of those applying for the vacant position. The principal or his/her designee will check references of the top candidates.
3. Interviews will be scheduled.
4. The principal will make a selection. The principal will then make a recommendation to the superintendent.
5. Following the submission of the name of the recommended candidate, the principal may contact the finalists who are not being recommended for the position. If the principal prefers, the superintendent’s office may send a form letter to the candidates not recommended.
6. The superintendent will conduct the final interview prior to making a recommendation to the board of education.
7. Following confirmation by the superintendent, the recommendation is submitted to the board of education for its approval. This procedure is for new hires, promotions and salary increases only. Employment is contingent upon board approval.
8. Wynona School District’s certified personnel who desire to be considered for vacancies may submit a written request to the superintendent. Such employees will be given first consideration in filling vacancies.
501..R.2
REGULATION SELECTION OF SUPPORT PERSONNEL
GUIDELINES
Wynona Public School District wishes to clearly delineate equal employment opportunity to avoid unintentional discriminatory practices, while at the same time selecting the right employee for each job.
1. It is the policy of this district to provide equal opportunity for employment, retention, and advancement of all people, regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, handicapping condition, sexual orientation or veteran’s status.
2. Once each year the administrative staff will review all personnel staff assignments to ensure the most effective utilization possible of staff time and capabilities. Personnel evaluations conducted in accordance with current school laws of Oklahoma will be utilized in this assessment.
3. A system of uniform procedures for methods of recruiting, screening, selecting, and assigning personnel will be followed.
4. Applications for positions will be received at any time; applications will be kept active for a period of one year from the date received. All perspective employees will be required to complete a job application form for employment. Every person will be asked to indicate if the position desired is to be full-time or part-time employment.
5. Each support person employed by Wynona Public Schools will be presented with a thorough job description of the work expected of them in their normal duties.
6. Each employee will also be given a copy of support personnel policies that all employees are expected to follow during their employment.
7. Support employees shall be employed for a ninety (90) calendar days probationary period during which time his/her work will be thoroughly evaluated. At the end of this probationary period, the employee will have a conference with his/her supervisor. At this time the decision will be made to continue or terminate employment. After successful completion, the employee shall be granted all rights of regular employment as provided by statute.
8. It is the policy of the Wynona Board of Education to take action concerning renewal or nonrenewable of all support employees' contracts before June 30 each year.
501..R.3
REGULATION
LOYALTY OATH
Wynona Public Schools
Affidavit
Loyalty Oath
I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America and the Constitution and the laws of the State of Oklahoma, and that I will faithfully discharge, according to the best of my ability, the duties of my office or employment during such time as I am an employee of Wynona Public Schools of Osage County, Oklahoma.
____________________
Affiant
Subscribed and sworn to before me this ____ day of ___________, _________.
______________________
Notary Public
(Seal)
My commission expires __________________.
____________________ County
State of Oklahoma
References: 51 O.S. 36.1-36.2A (Section 741-742, School Laws of Oklahoma)
502
LINE OF AUTHORITY
Teachers shall be under the general direction of the superintendent and immediately responsible to their principal for implementing the policies of Wynona Board of Education. Lines of administrative and supervisory authority between the superintendent and the principals shall be clearly defined and shall give principals the responsibility for initiating appropriate changes to meet the needs of the students. The principal shall be involved in the selection, assessment, evaluation, retention and promotion of all personnel assigned to the school.
All staff personnel shall be directly responsible to the superintendent or his/her designee. The principal shall have the responsibility and the authority for the administration of noninstructional programs at that school site.
The superintendent and/or another delegated authority shall establish a work schedule for staff members and supervise their work.
503
COOPERATIVE EFFORTS
Wynona Board of Education believes that each individual teacher or employee should be highly skilled and that cooperative efforts among teachers and other employees will enhance the ability of each teacher and magnifies the learning opportunities of all students.
Teachers are expected to cooperate with all employees of the district so that Wynona Public Schools may be operated efficiently, and cooperative learning programs and activities are encouraged by the board of education.
504
BLANK
505
PERSONNEL
FRINGE BENEFITS
Wynona Board of Education, understanding the benefits of providing fringe benefits in a cost-effective manner, has approved a “cafeteria” plan for the purchase of such benefits by each employee. Health and accident insurance, cancer insurance and annuities are available on a payroll deduction plan. Also, retirement paid by the employer on behalf of the employee is made on a pre-tax basis.
Reference: SB 902, 1998 Legislative Session
HB 1363, 1999 Legislative Session
SB 901, 2000 Legislative Session
506
SICK LEAVE General
Ten days sick leave shall be allowed each nine- or ten-month employee each year, with cumulative time up to sixty (60) days. Those employees who are employed for twelve months will receive twelve days sick leave per year. Eleven-month employees shall receive eleven sick days annually. Teachers are vested with sick leave at the beginning of each year. All support personnel are credited with sick leave at the close of each work month, at the rate of one day per month of employment. The hourly length of the sick leave day shall be equal to the workday of the employee.
Sick leave is defined as an employee’s absence from assigned duty due to personal illness, accidental injury, pregnancy, or accidental injury or illness in the immediate family. Immediate family shall be defined as spouse, children, parents, father-in-law, mother-in-law and any other permanent resident of the employee’s household.
If for any reason the board of education or the superintendent believes this benefit is being abused, a statement of illness from a doctor may be required to justify granting of sick leave. A doctor's certificate verifying illness will be required of any employee after five consecutive days of illness.
Retirement Credit for Unused Sick Leave
Wynona School District will maintain accurate, up-to-date information concerning unused sick leave for purposes of teacher retirement credit. In accordance with state law and the regulations of the Oklahoma Teachers’ Retirement System, the total creditable service of a member who retires or terminates employment and elects a vested benefit may include up to 120 days of unused sick leave for retirement credit. However, teachers hired after July l, 1992, are not eligible for retirement credit on unused sick leave.
The board of education will maintain records for the purpose of assisting each employee to account for unused sick leave days for retirement purposes. The board will account for and certify unused sick leave days for each year. This provision will apply to employees hired before July 1, 1992, who have participated in the Teacher’s Retirement System subsequent to August 1, 1959.
Upon retirement, accumulated sick leave days and the unused sick leave days in the sick leave bank may be certified to the Teacher’s Retirement System of Oklahoma to add creditable service for retirement purposes at a rate of one month of credit for each twenty days of accumulated sick leave.
Child Care Leave
In accordance with state law, and if approved by the board of education, a teacher who takes no more than 90 days without pay to care for the teacher’s child during the first year of the child’s life shall receive full credit toward retirement for those days missed if the teacher pays Oklahoma Teachers’ Retirement System the full contribution on the salary which would have been received. The teacher shall also receive credit for those days in computing experience for salary.
References: 70 O.S. 5-117 (Section 68, School Laws of Oklahoma)
70 O.S. 6-104 (Section 141, School Laws of Oklahoma)
Amended by SB 66, 1995 Legislative Session
SB 1033, 1998 Legislative Session
507
SICK LEAVE BANK
Wynona Board of Education believes that programs that enhance cooperative efforts among members of the faculty can result in increased instructional quality within the school district. Therefore, the board provides a sick leave bank for certified personnel of the district.
The sick leave bank is an extension of the Wynona Public Schools sick leave policy. It covers sick leave beyond a certified employee’s accumulated sick leave, and may be used in the event of catastrophic illness, disability or injury, inclusive of members of the immediate family.
Reference: 70 O.S. 6-104.6 (Section 143, School Laws of Oklahoma)
507..R.1
REGULATION USE OF SICK LEAVE BANK
All full-time personnel of Wynona Public Schools are eligible to participate in the Sick Leave Bank. Participation is voluntary, but requires contribution to the bank.
Only contributors will be permitted to use the bank for payment for qualifying catastrophic illness during regularly scheduled duty days.
The Sick Leave Bank will be administered by a four-member Approval Committee appointed by the board of education. The Approval Committee will be composed of one teacher, two administrators, and one support personnel. The Approval Committee shall have the responsibility of receiving requests, verifying the validity of requests, recommending approval or denial of the requests and communicating its recommendation to the board of education and the member. A majority of the Approval Committee must be present in order to make decisions. Approval Committee decisions may be appealed to the board of education for final disposition.
Each employee will be assessed two day of sick leave upon enrollment in the Sick Leave Bank. Assessment of one day per year of a member’s sick leave will be continued until the bank is built up to a minimum of 60 days. No more days will be added except from new enrollees until the bank is depleted to below thirty days.
When the Sick Leave Bank total falls below the thirty days, each member will be assessed one day. This assessment will be made at the time of enrollment of Sick Leave Bank members, that being within thirty days of the beginning of the next school year.
The contribution on the appropriate form will be authorized by the employee and continued from year to year until canceled in writing by the bank member. Sick leave properly authorized for contribution to the bank will not be returned if the bank member effects cancellation. Cancellation on the proper form may be submitted at any time, and the employee shall not be eligible to use the bank as of the effective cancellation date.
Contributions shall be made within thirty days of the beginning of the school year, except for members returning from extended leaves, which included the enrollment period.
Employees returning from medical leave or disability will be permitted to contribute to the bank within thirty days of their return. Persons employed after the thirty-day period will have the option of joining within the first thirty days of employment.
Any full-time employee of Wynona Public Schools who has contributed two day of local sick leave is eligible. Only those employees participating in the Sick Leave Bank will be eligible to withdraw days, and then only after his/her own sick leave days have been used.
Days contributed or assessed become the property of the Sick Leave Bank and no longer count toward the individual member’s current or accumulated sick leave. Days contributed will remain in the bank until used.
The sick leave bank may be used for unexpected catastrophic illness such as cancer or serious accidents which is of an extraordinary or severe nature and involves the employee.
“Severe” or “extraordinary” shall mean serious, extreme or life-threatening.
Persons withdrawing sick leave days from the bank will not have to replace these days except as a regular contributing member to the bank.
The Approval Committee shall determine the number of days to be granted from the Sick Leave Bank not to exceed thirty days.
No bank member shall be required, for purposed of maintaining status in the Sick Leave Bank, to contribute more sick leave days than other members.
Each separate application for a grant from the Sick Leave Bank must include a new physician’s statement on the appropriate Sick Leave Bank form.
A member of the Sick Leave Bank will lose the right to use the benefits of the Sick Leave Bank by:
A. Termination of employment with Wynona School District
B. Suspension without pay during the period of suspension
C. A member’s voluntary cancellation of membership in the Sick Leave
Bank as of the effective date of cancellation
D. A member’s written authorization to discontinue annual contribution of sick leave day(s) as of the date the contribution becomes due
E. Any abuse or misuse of the rules of the Sick Leave Bank
F. While on approved leave of absence for other than personal or family illnos
Eligible employees who do not elect to join the Sick Leave Bank at the first opportunity afforded them will not be permitted to join the bank until the subsequent annual open enrollment period.
All requests to draw upon the Sick Leave Bank must be accompanied by a physician’s statement confirming the cause of illness or confinement and certifying the existence of a disability to perform assigned duties and the expected duration of the condition. The physician must personally sign the form.
An applicant may be required to undergo a medical review by a second opinion physician of the Approval Committee’s choice at any time at the expense of the applicant. This physician’s report is to be sent directly to the Approval Committee before the Approval Committee may act upon the unit member’s application for a grant from the Sick Leave Bank.
In case a contributor’s incapacity is of such a nature that he/she cannot personally apply for a grant, the application may be submitted to the Approval Committee by an authorized agent or member of his/her family on his/her behalf.
Applicants may submit requests for extension of Sick Leave Bank grants before their prior grant expires. (Use regular Sick Leave Bank Request from accompanied by the signed Physician’s Statement.)
All necessary Sick Leave Bank forms will be available at the Office of the Superintendent.
The Superintendent’s Office shall maintain all records regarding operation of the Sick Leave Bank.
508
CERTIFIED PERSONNEL
PERSONAL BUSINESS LEAVE
Teachers shall be granted three (3) days of leave, with pay, in order to conduct personal business that demands the teacher’s presence at the time school is in session. Requests for leave should be made at least twenty-four (24) hours in advance, if possible.
Personal business days may be granted for one-half (1/2) day upon request.
Except in emergency situations, personal business leave may not be utilized during the first or last week of school or the day immediately preceding or following a holiday or vacation.
References: 70 O.S. 6-104 (Section 141, School Laws of Oklahoma)
509
Not Used
510
OTHER LEAVE Jury/Witness Court Leave
Wynona School District shall grant an employee leave for jury service or as a witness subpoenaed in a criminal, civil or juvenile proceeding. When an employee serves on a jury or is called as a witness as described above, he/she will be paid the difference between the amount received for jury duty and the amount he or she would have earned at his/her regular rate of pay for each day served on the jury or as a witness.
Professional Leave
Upon application to and approval from the building principal and/or superintendent, professional enrichment leave may be granted to teachers and support employees to attend conferences, workshops and meetings without loss of pay.
Bereavement Leave
Each employee shall be provided with three (3) days of leave for bereavement due to the death of a member of the immediate family. Immediate family is defined as follows: spouse, child, parent, sibling, grandparent, aunt, uncle and each corresponding relationship established by marriage.
Upon request to the superintendent, extended bereavement leave may be granted in special circumstances. If additional bereavement leave is denied, the employee may request extended bereavement leave from the superintendent, and if granted, the extended leave will be chargeable to sick leave.
Military Leave
Military leave will be granted in accordance with federal and state law with tenure and retirement protected.
References: 70 O.S. 6-104 (Section 141, School Laws of Oklahoma)
70 O.S. 6-105 (Section 144, School Laws of Oklahoma)
44 O.S. 209 (Section 734, School Laws of Oklahoma)
72 O.S. 48 (Section 735, School Laws of Oklahoma)
510..R.1
REGULATION REQUEST FOR USE OF PROFESSIONAL DAY
Wynona Public Schools Request for Professional Day Leave Current Date ______________________________________________________
Teacher ______________________________________________________
Workshop Title ______________________________________________________
Date of Workshop ______________________________________________________
Time of Workshop ______________________________________________________
Location of Workshop ___________________________________________________
Reason for Attending Workshop ____________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Number of Workshops Attended This School Year _____________________________
Will a Substitute be needed? Yes__________ No__________
Full Day? Yes__________ No__________
If Partial Day Only, State Which Class Periods _______________________________
Check One: Will Use Personal Vehicle ______________________________
Request School Vehicle ______________________________
_______________________________
Superintendent’s Approval
511
TEMPORARY LEAVES OF ABSENCE Extended Leave for Illness
Wynona School District will provide leaves of absence when employees have exhausted their accumulated sick leave and remain unable to return to work because of personal accidental injury, illness or pregnancy. The teacher shall receive, for a period not to exceed twenty (20) days; his/her full contract salary less. (Personal means employee only: family not included)
1. The amount actually paid a certified substitute for his/her position if a certified substitute is hired or
2. The amount normally paid a certified substitute for his/her position.
After the twenty (20) days is exhausted, the teacher may be placed on automatic leave of absence without pay for whatever time is needed for a maximum of the remainder of the current school year. Such request must be made in writing and submitted to the superintendent.
When a regular teacher is placed on leave of absence, a replacement may be assigned to the position at the regular salary to which he/she would be entitled as a regular contract teacher for the remainder of the school year or for whatever portion of that time needed to replace the regular teacher.
The term of the contract services of the replacement teacher will be designated in each such assignment.
This policy regarding leaves of absence for personal illness in no way changes the policy covering written leave of absence requests for other reasons.
Extended Leave Other than Illness
Extended leaves of absence without pay may be granted only after the employee has worked in the school district for at least three consecutive years as a full-time contract employee. Extended leaves would be considered or granted in the following cases:
1. involuntary military service
2. personal illness
3. further study that includes at least l5 hours of credit for one year
4. caring for sick member(s) of the employee’s family
Employees requesting extended leaves of absence shall submit a written request for such leave to the superintendent. Such requests should designate the beginning and termination date of requested leave, not to exceed two semesters. The request is to be filed when possible not less that one month prior to the beginning date of such requested leave of absence.
Leaves of absence are not renewable and will expire on the ending date of the current contract, but in no case later than June 30.
Unexcused Personal Leave
Any school personnel requesting any unexcused personal leave will be granted such leave with full day’s pay (1/180th of salary) deducted from absent employee’s salary for each day absent. The substitute teacher in their position will be paid regular substitute pay.
Worker’s Compensation
An employee may not be paid full sick leave benefits when that person is absent from work because of a job-related injury and is receiving worker’s compensation. However, at the option of the employee, he/she may receive, along with worker’s compensation pay, partial sick leave or personal leave pay to bring the amount of salary to the level of regular sick leave pay. The employee must qualify for sick leave or personal leave in order to receive the partial payment in addition to his/her worker’s compensation. At no time will the employee receive an amount that exceeds 100% of his/her regular net pay. Sick leave or personal leave thus used will be prorated and the employee’s available days reduced accordingly. The employee must notify his/her immediate supervisor the day of the injury.
Reference: 70 O.S.351 (Section 730, School Laws of Oklahoma)
512..R.2
REGULATION EXPENSE VOUCHER
Wynona Public Schools _____________________________________ Purpose of Trip(s)
Payable to: ( ) Workshop
( ) Administration
( ) Other (Explain)
_____________________________________
Mail Warrant to : Address _______________________________
_____________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
Destination Other Total
Date From To Miles Meals Lodging Explanation For Day
______________________________________________________________________________
__________________
______________________________________________________________________________
__________________
______________________________________________________________________________
__________________
______________________________________________________________________________
__________________
______________________________________________________________________________
__________________
______________________________________________________________________________
__________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Used School Vehicle ( ) Used Personal Car ( )
_______ Miles at _______ cents per mile
Allowance _________ Total ____________
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. State your name and address
2. Itemize your expenses
3. Cost of meals (reasonable and actual costs only if overnight stay)
4. Lodging, etc.
5. Attach receipts for lodging gasoline and other expenses.
____________________________
SIGNATURE
APPROVED BY (SIGNATURE)
512..R.1
REGULATION
GUIDELINES FOR
TRAVEL AND EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENT
Employees requesting to attend professional/job-related meetings outside the school district must be approved by all designated administrators at least one week in advance of the meeting.
Job-related expenses incurred by employees for meals (including tax and gratuities), lodging, airfare, registration, tolls, and parking may be reimbursed with actual receipts. Meals for out-of-town travel will be reimbursed at a rate not to exceed $30.00 per day upon submission of actual receipts. Meals are not reimbursable if not staying overnight. Signatures are required on each expenditure. Per IRS rules, reimbursement of travel expenses for non-overnight trips is taxable as income.
Use of personal vehicles will be reimbursed at the prevailing IRS mileage reimbursement rate (not to exceed the cost of air travel). Employees requesting mileage reimbursements should submit a requisition with supporting documentation for payment either on a monthly basis or at least twice per school year. One request at the end of the school year is prohibited due to finalizing fiscal year expenditures and budgeting guidelines.
Meals (including taxes and gratuities) for out-of-town travel will not be reimbursed if not staying overnight.
Actual cost of lodging will be reimbursed upon submission of actual receipt.
Registrations paid by employees may be claimed upon submission of actual receipt.
512
PERSONNEL
TRAVEL AND EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENT
Faculty and staff may be reimbursed for itemized and documented travel expenses provided such expenses are related to the employee's duties as expressed in the contract with the individual. However, if the employee attends a conference on personal business leave or on leave without pay, then Wynona School District shall not compensate the employee for travel or documented expenses.
The board prior to the event must approve the function and the cost to be reimbursed. Faculty members shall submit in writing to the superintendent the need for reimbursement. Notice must be given in time for the superintendent to submit this to the board and the board to give approval. If sufficient time to notify the board is not available, the superintendent may give temporary approval.
Only those items for which there is itemized documentation may be reimbursed. Travel shall be reimbursed at the IRS or state rate of reimbursement (See State Travel Reimbursement Act.) according to mileage indicated on an Oklahoma map.
Per IRS rules, reimbursement of travel expenses for non-overnight trips is taxable as income.
Travel expenses and other related expenses of prospective employees for sponsored visits to the school district shall be paid at the discretion of the board under the same guidelines as those for school employees.
References: 70 O.S. 5-117 (Section 68, School Laws of Oklahoma)
74 O.S. Section 500.8, State Travel Reimbursement Act
HB 2909, 1998 Legislative Session
HB 1386, 1999 Legislative Session
513
EMPLOYEE ETHICS
Wynona Board of Education expects all employees to maintain high standards of conduct. These standards include the following:
1. The maintenance of fair and courteous professional relationships with pupils, parents, staff members and others
2. The maintenance of their own efficiency, effectiveness and knowledge of developments in their fields of work
3. The transaction of all official business with the properly designated authorities of Wynona Public Schools, other school districts and the State Department of Education
4. The establishment of friendly and professional cooperation between the community and the school district
5. The placement of the welfare of the students as the first concern of the school district
6. Restraint from using school contacts and privileges to promote partisan politics, sectarian religious views or selfish propaganda of any kind
7. The proper use and protection of all school properties, equipment and materials
8.The use of constructive criticism toward improvement of the school system
514
SALARY SCHEDULE
Certified Personnel Wynona Board of Education believes that student instruction is the lifeblood of a school district and that teachers should be rewarded for their service. Therefore, the district will comply with all state teacher salary requirements and will make efforts to exceed those requirements whenever possible.
Support Personnel Wynona Board of Education believes that support personnel should be rewarded for their service. Therefore, the district will attempt to pay competitive salaries for the community in which the district is located and will make efforts to exceed those salaries whenever possible.
515
Schedule of Pay Periods
Paychecks will be handed out the last working school day of the month. Only exceptions will be approved by the Wynona Board of Education. May, June & July pay checks will be handed out the last business day of the month.
516 Withholdings from Monthly Salary
- Oklahoma Teacher Retirement as required by law.
- Social Security: Social Security (FICA) taxes are withheld as required by law.
- Health Insurance: Payroll deductions will be made for school group insurance at the employee’s request.
- Supplemental health insurance, life insurance, and salary protection
- Tax sheltered annuities: payroll deductions will be made at the request of the employee.
- State and federal taxes as required by law.
These policy numbers are reserved for future personnel policies.
525
SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION
Superintendent
Wynona Board of Education will hire a superintendent of schools. The superintendent, who holds an administrative certificate, shall be the executive officer of the board of education and the administrative head of the school district. He/she will maintain an accredited school.
Principals and Assistant Principals
Wynona Board of Education will hire principals for each school in the district. The board will hire assistant principals as needed. Principals will have supervisory or administrative authority over the school to which they are appointed. All principals and assistant principals shall be required to hold administrative certificates.
Reference: 70 0. S. 1-116 (Section 18, School Laws of Oklahoma)
525..R.1
REGULATION
JOB DESCRIPTION
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
Qualifications: (Minimum standards):
1. A provisional certificate for school superintendent.
2. A master’s degree from an accredited institution, with a major in administration and supervision or education.
3. Completed five (5) years teaching experience.
Reports to: Wynona Board of Education
Job Goal: Provide professional, educational leadership and skills to translate the will of the board of education into administrative action.
Performance Responsibilities:
1. Serves as executive officer of the board of education and attends all board meetings except when his own appointment, efficiency, contract or salary is being considered.
2. Recommends policies, plans and programs; prepares and presents facts and explanations necessary to assist the board in its duty as policy maker for the schools.
3. Recommends to the board the sale of property no longer required by the board and supervises such sales.
4. Directs the preparation of the annual budget for adoption by the board and administers the budget as enacted by the board.
5. Maintains adequate records for the district, including a system of financial accounts; business and property records; and personnel, school population, and scholastic records. Acts as custodian of such records and other papers belonging to the board.
6. Approves or disapproves the special transfer of students into or out of the district.
7. Represents the schools before the public and maintains a program of publicity and public relations to keep the community informed.
8. Supervises and insures adherence to Constitutional or statutory laws, state regulations, and board of education policies.
9. Exercises power to make such rules and regulations as may be necessary to implement and maintain board policies.
10. Uses own discretion in matters not covered by board policy, reports such action to the board, and recommends appropriate policy for future guidance.
11. Performs such other tasks as directed by the board of education.
12. Secures and nominates for employment the best qualified and most competent teachers, support staff, and administrative personnel.
13. Assigns and transfers employees as the needs of the district may dictate, and reports such action to the board for information and record.
14. Reports to the board the case of any employee whose service is unsatisfactory and recommends appropriate action.
15. Holds such meetings of the teachers and other employees as necessary for the discussion of matters concerning the improvements and welfare of the school district.
16. Keeps the public informed about modern educational practices; educational trends; and the policies, practices, and problems in the school district.
17. Delegates to other employees powers or duties as needed. Delegation of power or duty does not relieve the superintendent of final responsibility for the action taken under such delegation.
18. Keeps informed of modern educational thought and practices by advanced study, by visits to school systems elsewhere, by attendance at educational conferences, and by other appropriate means, and keeps the board informed of trends in education.
19. Studies and revises, together with the staff, all curriculum guides and courses of study on a continuing basis.
20. Makes recommendations for the location and size of new school sites and of additions to existing sites; the location and size of new buildings on school sites; the plans for new school buildings; all appropriations for sites and buildings; school closings; school reorganization; and improvements, alterations, and changes in the building and equipment of the district.
21. Recommends to the board of education for its adoption all courses of study, curriculum guides, and major changes in texts and time schedules to be used in the schools.
22. Submits to the board a clear and detailed explanation of any proposed procedure that would involve either departure from established policy or the expenditure of substantial sums of money.
23. Makes recommendations to the board concerning the transportation of pupils in accordance with the law and the requirements of safety.
24. Provides suitable instructions and regulations to govern the use and care of school properties for school purposes.
25. Attends, or delegates a representative to attend, all meetings of municipal agencies at which matters pertaining to the public schools appear on the agenda or are expected to be raised.
Terms of Employment:
Twelve (12) months a year. Salary and benefits to be arranged with the board.
Evaluation:
Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the board’s policy on evaluation of the superintendent.
525..R.2
REGULATION
PRINCIPAL
Qualifications (Minimum)
1. Hold principal’s certification from the State of Oklahoma
2. Three (3) years teaching experience
Reports to: Superintendent
Supervises: All personnel assigned to the same building to which the principal is assigned
Job Goal: To provide leadership for the school to reach its full potential
Performance Responsibilities:
1. Organizes and conducts the school site in accordance with the policies of the board as implemented by the superintendent. Makes necessary rules and regulations for the efficient operation of the school, prepares handbooks, with the approval of the board of education, for distribution to teachers and students
2. Studies the educational needs of the neighborhood served by the school and develops plans for meeting them
3. Exerts leadership in the adaptation of the general programs of education approved for the schools to meet the particular needs of the community served
4. Supervises the instructional staff in the development and implementation of curriculum and student activities; delegates authority when necessary
5. Reports for duty by 8:00 a.m. each day and insures that teachers and other staff are present at the appropriate time and place
6. Makes necessary rules and regulations for the efficient operation of his/her school; prepares a handbook, with approval of the board of education, for distribution to teachers and students
7. Directs the activities of professional and nonprofessional staff members in the performance of their duties, evaluating them as required by state law and board of education policy, and recommending them for renewal or nonrenewal for the succeeding school year
8. Has the authority and responsibility of assigning all general and specific duties of teachers and support personnel of the school site, subject to the approval of the superintendent. Duties include supervision of halls, grounds, and cafeteria; extra-class activities, and organizations; and other duties necessary to the efficient operation of the schools
9. Supervises the operation of vending machines in each building
10. Supervises operation of foodservice program at the school site
11. Is responsible to the superintendent for athletic programs at the school site; insures that rules and regulations of the Oklahoma Secondary Schools Activities Association are followed
12. Arranges and approves all activities and events scheduled for the school calendar.
13. Holds meetings with teachers as necessary
14. Is responsible for class schedules, honor rolls, and class organizations
15. Is responsible for keeping all pupil accounting records and making of such reports as requested by the superintendent
16. Delegates to and supervises teachers in the making and keeping of daily reports of absences and tardies.
17. Supervises and controls the issuance of textbooks, materials, supplies, and admit slips
18. Directs and supervises an inventory at the end of each year for each department under his/her supervision; makes same available to teachers for revision
19. Organizes and holds fire and other disaster drills in compliance with state law and board of education policy
20. Maintains a clearance report for students who are withdrawing from school; insures that all books, supplies, and equipment are returned and that all fees and dues are paid before a student’s clearance is completed
21. Directs and supervises summer employees of the district
22. Performs other duties as directed by the superintendent
Terms of Employment:
Elementary principals are on twelve-month contracts and secondary principals are on twelve-month contracts. Salary is to be determined based on experience.
Evaluation:
Job performance as evaluated by superintendent based on the McRel Principal Evaluation System.
526
EVALUATION OF ADMINISTRATORS
Wynona Board of Education, in recognition of its accountability to the people of this community and its obligations under the statutes of the State of Oklahoma, shall conduct an annual formal evaluation of the superintendent of schools. This evaluation shall be conducted toward the goal of improving Wynona Public Schools through an improving district leadership.
Evaluation of Superintendent
Members of the board will first evaluate the superintendent independently, using a written form adopted for this purpose. The board will convene to discuss the assessments and prepare a composite evaluation. The full board and the superintendent will discuss the composite evaluation. The board and the superintendent will each retain a copy of the written evaluation report. One copy will be placed in the district’s personnel file.
Evaluation of the superintendent shall be conducted in such manner as to:
Provide some positive and constructive feedback to the superintendent that will support and promote his/her professional growth and development.
Help the board evaluate its work in planning the educational program in this community.
Strengthen the working relationship between the board and the superintendent by providing a comprehensive vehicle of communication.
Evaluation of Other Administrators
The immediate supervisor of remaining administrators shall evaluate all other administrators. Evaluations will be made annually and will be reported to the board of education through the superintendent.
Reference: 70 O.S. 6-101 (Section 118, School Laws of Oklahoma)
HB 1559, 1997 Legislative Session
526.R.1
Administration Evaluation
SEE SUPERINTENDENTS POLICY BOOK FOR COPY OF EVALUATIONS
527
Teachers Work Day
All personnel should be at their workstations by 8:15 am in order to allow adequate time for building meetings, tutoring, and lesson preparation. This way we also insure supervision for students who may arrive prior to the designated time. The teacher’s workday will extend to 3:45 pm. Permission must be obtained from the principal to leave prior to 3:45 pm. The 7 ½ hour day takes into consideration that teachers are supervising students during their lunch period. Failure to comply with office hours may result in disciplinary action.
528– 534
NOT USED These policy numbers are reserved for future
development of personnel policies.
535
TEACHER CONTRACT
The teacher contract shall be binding on both Wynona Board of Education and the teacher unless mutual agreement exists to terminate the contract.
Teachers requesting to terminate a contract after June 10 of the ensuing school year may be held responsible for the expense the district incurs in finding a replacement, including but not limited to advertising costs.
535..R.
REGULATION
JOB DESCRIPTION - TEACHER
Qualification: Oklahoma Certificate/License
Reports to: Principal
Job Goal: To provide quality education for students of Wynona School District
Performance Responsibilities:
1. Develops lesson plans and instructional materials that meet the district’s curriculum goals and the needs of each pupil
2. Translates lesson plans into learning experiences that effectively utilize the available time for instruction
3. Establishes and maintains standards of student behavior needed to achieve a functional learning atmosphere in the classroom
4. Evaluates student academic and social growth, keeps appropriate records, and prepares reports relating to student progress
5. Communicates with parents through conferences and other means to discuss student progress and interpret the school program
6. Identifies student needs and cooperates with other professional staff members in assessing and helping students solve health, attitude and learning problems
7. Creates an effective environment for learning through functional and attractive displays, bulletin boards and interest centers
8. Maintains professional competence through in-service education activities provided by the district and self-selected professional growth activities
9. Selects and requisitions books and instructional aids; maintains
10. Maintains required inventory records
11. Supervises students in out-of-classroom activities during the assigned work day
12. Administers group standardized tests in accordance with district testing program
13. Participates in curriculum development programs as required
14. Participates in faculty committees and sponsorship of student activities
15. Performs other duties as assigned by the principal
16. Teachers will be responsible for duty from 8:05-8:35 am, tutoring from 3:35-4:00 Mon-Thurs; ballgame duty rotations; monthly spirit days; and to report monthly class highlights to office to be put on the web page.
17. Full length movies will be shown no more than once per month.
18. Have high expectations for rigor in courses. There should be very minimum time where students are granted “free” time.
19. Teaching and learning should be guided and students should be expected to cover a maximum amount of material each day. If several students are gone for an activity, the students who stay behind should continue course work as planned. Those who miss should be expected to make up what was missed, instead of putting everything on hold until the majority is present. High expectations must start with the teachers leading by example.
20. Cell phones should not be used by teachers during class time. Texting or talking should be held for planning periods or breaks.
21. All school rise and shine will be limited to once per week. Rise and Shine will be Monday’s at 8:30.
22. Teachers will set goals for math facts for each grade, those students who reach the class goal, will test with the superintendent monthly.
23. All staff will be expected to be at school from 8:15-3:45. When not with students, this is plan time and an opportunity to meet with parents if the need should arise.
24. Parent conferences will be held when the 5 weeks reports go out in the evenings. Comp time for that will be scheduled parent conference days.
25. All students through grade 12 will be expected to read and do reading counts. An extra emphasis will be place on improving reading and math for all students.
Terms of Employment: Ten months year or 172 days. Salary and days of work to be established by the board of education
Evaluation: Each principal in accordance with district's evaluation procedures will evaluate performance of this job.
Approved: _______________________________ Date: _____________________
Superintendent
Reviewed: _______________________________ Date: ______________________
Teacher
535..R.2
REGULATION JOB DESCRIPTION – SCHOOL COUNSELOR
Supervisor: The counselor is under the general supervision of, and is responsible to, the school principal.
General Duties
1. directs the measurement and evaluation program
2. obtains and interprets occupational and educational information for students
3. performs counseling service to pupils and teachers
4. conducts and reports on research projects related to guidance and counseling
5. supervises students during activities of the guidance and counseling program
6. maintains staff relationships with teachers
7. exercises direct supervision of employees assigned to the counselor’s office
Duties of the High School Counselor
1. Maintains cumulative records for students of the high school
2. Secures, organizes and interprets information in cumulative records to teachers and students
3. Performs individual and group guidance with pupils when and where services are needed
4. Maintains current information about higher education and special training in occupational fields and uses these materials in individual conferences and in classroom group counseling
5. Studies pupil personnel records for identification of individual differences among students
6. Works individually with pupils in aiding them to choose subjects from the curriculum for future vocational and educational purposes
7. Works with students, parents, and industrial and business leaders in placement of students in full-time and part-time jobs
8. Makes a partial follow-up study on pupils who withdraw or graduate from school
9. Interviews new students and conducts orientation programs
10. Confers with students who indicate their desire to drop out of school
11. Confers with teachers, parents specialists and community agencies on educational, health, social and vocational problems of the students
12. Administers and scores standard tests for all students in grades K-12
13. Maintains and keeps current and complete test profiles for students in grades K-12
14. Interprets the school program and the pupil’s individual progress to the parents
15. Is responsible for records that involve Family Educational Rights and Privacy
Duties of the Elementary Counselor
1. Interprets information in cumulative records to teachers and parents
2. Performs individual and group guidance and serves as a resource person for teachers when requested
3. Identifies individual differences among students through testing and interprets results to parents and teachers
4. Works with teachers, parents, industrial and business leaders and other resource persons in providing materials for teacher pertaining to “World of Work.”
5. Makes home visits if necessary to confer with parents
6. Interviews new students and assist principals in orientation programs
7. Confers with teachers, parents, specialists and community agencies on educational, health and social problems of pupils and makes referrals to other agencies when deemed necessary
8. Assists teachers in administering standard tests
9. Keeps individual folders on each child and make referrals to other agencies when deemed necessary
10. Interprets the school program and the pupil’s individual program to the parents
11. Works with the principal in setting up guidance programs
12. Is responsible for records that involve Family Educational Rights and Privacy
535..R.3 REGULATION SCHOOL LIBRARIAN/MEDIA CENTER DIRECTOR The school librarian coordinates an effective library program which gives service to the school staff and student body. The librarian is under the general direction of, and is responsible to, the principal of the building assigned. Duties of the librarian include
1. Providing prompt and energetic service to all and library patrons.
2. Providing a well-balanced collection of library books and instructional materials
a. To support and enhance curriculum
b. To stimulate growth in factual knowledge, aesthetic values, and ethical standards
c. To give the student a background of information that will enable him to make intelligent judgments.
3. Evaluating, selecting, and acquiring new library materials according to (This) Public School's library book selection policy.
4. Organizing library books and instructional material so that they are easily accessible and readily available without delay or cumbersome clearance problems.
5. Providing instructions in the use of the library and library materials so the students and teachers may use the library effectively.
6. Instructing and directing student library assistants in the mechanical processes of the library and in the techniques of professional library service.
7. Providing professional assistance to teachers and staff by
a. keeping teachers and staff members informed concerning new materials the library acquires
b. assisting teachers in the selection of books and other instructional materials
c. preparing and discussing materials with classes studying a particular topic
d. preparing subject bibliographies upon request
e. planning visits to the classroom to promote interest in reading through book talks and story telling
f. providing a well-balanced professional collection of books and periodicals in the central library
8. Participating with teachers and administrators in planning the curriculum so that use of the library is an integral part of every student’s course of study.
536
FACULTY
PROFESSIONAL GROWTH
Wynona Board of Education believes that teachers need to keep abreast of new knowledge in their fields of expertise.
Staff Development
1. Each teacher is urged to earn fifteen (15) staff development points each year and shall earn seventy-five (75) points over a five-year period.
2. Teachers are encouraged to attend workshops and conferences in their fields of study.
3. Teachers are encouraged to attend summer school for refresher courses from time to time.
4. Counselors are encouraged to complete a minimum of five (5) points each year in programs specifically designed for school counselors.
Faculty Meetings
Teachers are expected to be punctual and to attend all faculty meetings.
Planning Time
Planning time shall be defined as all the time between the assigned arrival and departure times that the teacher is NOT on his/her lunch period, teaching in the classroom or supervising pupils.
Planning time is to be used for planning for assigned teaching duties at the designated areas unless otherwise directed by the building principal.
Reference: HB 1467, 1997 Legislative Session
537
FACULTY
EVALUATION
Wynona Board of Education believes that the primary purpose of teacher appraisal should be for personal development and the improvement of teaching. Therefore, this appraisal shall be an on-going process, important for beginning teachers, but equally as important for teachers with experience. The board further believes that as teachers appraise their present performance and set goals for future performance, they gain in personal confidence and stature in their profession.
Appraisal procedures shall be designed to help teachers define their areas of greatest strength as well as the areas in which improvement is needed. Plans will be made to capitalize on those strengths. Procedures will be set up to help those who need improvement. The Tulsa Model for evaluation shall be used to evaluate teachers rubric.
Improvement of teaching is the goal.
In compliance with state law, standards of performance and conduct, attached to this policy, shall be provided to each teacher on or before April 10 each year. Each teacher is to sign a statement verifying he or she has received the standards. In determining whether or not the professional performance of a teacher is adequate, these standards shall be considered.
In compliance with state law, Wynona Board of Education shall annually review this policy following consultation with teacher representatives who are selected by the teachers.
References: 70 O.S. 6-101.21 (Section 124, School Laws of Oklahoma)
70 O.S. 6-101.10 (Section 118, School Laws of Oklahoma)
Teachers are evaluated with OKTLE (Oklahoma Teacher & Leader Effectiveness)
SEE SUPERINTENDENTS POLICY BOOK FOR COPY OF EVALUATIONS
537.. R.2
REGULATION
FACULTY
STANDARDS OF CONDUCT AND PERFORMANCE
Mission
In recognition of the magnitude of the responsibility inherent in the teaching process and by virtue of the desire for the respect and confidence of their colleagues, students, parents and the community, teachers are to be guided in their conduct by their commitment to their students and their profession.
Principle I: Commitment to Students
The teacher shall strive to help each student realize his or her potential as a worthy and effective member of society. The teacher must work to stimulate the spirit of inquiry, the acquisition of knowledge and understanding and the thoughtful formulation of worthy goals.
In fulfillment of the obligation to the student, the teacher
1. shall not unreasonably restrain the student from independent action in the pursuit of learning.
2. shall not unreasonably deny the student access to varying points of view.
3. shall not deliberately suppress or distort subject matter relevant to the student's progress.
4. shall make reasonable effort to protect the student from conditions harmful to learning or to health and safety.
5. shall not intentionally expose the student to embarrassment or disparagement.
6. shall not on the basis of race, color, creed, sex, national origin, marital status, political or religious beliefs, family, social or cultural background or sexual orientation, unfairly
a. exclude any student from participation in any program.
b. deny benefits to any students.
c. grant any advantage to any student.
7. shall not use professional relationships with students for private advantage.
8. shall not disclose information about students obtained in the course of professional
service, unless disclosure serves a compelling professional purpose and is permitted
by law or is required by law.
Principal II: Commitment to the Profession
1. The teaching profession is vested by the public with a trust and responsibility requiring the highest ideals of professional service.
2. In order to assure that the quality of the services of the teaching profession meets the expectations of the State and its citizens, the teacher shall exert every effort to raise professional standards, fulfill professional responsibilities with honor and integrity, promote a climate that encourages the exercise of professional judgment, achieve conditions which attract persons worthy of the trust to careers in education and assist in preventing the practice of the profession by unqualified persons.
In fulfillment of the obligation to the profession, the teacher
1. shall not in an application for a professional position deliberately make a false
statement or fail to disclose a material fact related to competency and qualifications.
2. shall not misrepresent his/her professional qualifications.
3. shall not assist any entry into the profession of a person known to be unqualified in
respect to character, education or other relevant attributes.
4. shall not knowingly make a false statement concerning the qualifications of a
candidate for a professional position.
5. shall not assist an unqualified person in the unauthorized practice of the profession.
6. shall not disclose information about colleagues obtained in the course of professional
service unless disclosure serves a compelling professional purpose or is required by
law.
7. shall not knowingly make false or malicious statements about a colleague.
8. shall not accept any gratuity, gift or favor that might impair or appear to influence
professional decisions or actions.
Principle III: Dismissal and Not reemployed
1. Subject to the provisions of the Teacher Due Process Act of 1990, a career teacher may be dismissed or not reemployed for
a. willful neglect of duty.
b. repeated negligence in performance of duty.
c. mental or physical abuse to a child.
d. incompetence.
e. instructional ineffectiveness.
f. unsatisfactory teaching performance.
g. any reason involving moral turpitude.
2. Subject to the provisions of the Teacher Due Process Act, a probationary teacher may be dismissed or
not reemployed for cause.
3. A teacher convicted of a felony shall be dismissed or not reemployed unless a presidential or gubernatorial pardon has been issued.
4. A teacher may be dismissed, refused employment or not reemployed after a finding that such person has engaged in criminal sexual activity or sexual misconduct that has impeded the effectiveness of the individual's performance of school duties.
a. "Criminal sexual activity " means the commission of an act as defined in Section 886 of Title 21 of the Oklahoma Statutes, which is the act of sodomy.
b. "Sexual misconduct" means the soliciting or imposing of criminal sexual activity.
537..R.3
REGULATION COUNSELOR EVALUATION
Wynona Public Schools
Counselor Evaluation
Counselor’s Name _______________________________________________________
School ________________________________ Position ________________________
The administration and instructional staff of Wynona Public Schools believe the ultimate purpose of evaluating certified personnel is to improve the performance and quality of the instruction offered to the students.
Note to Evaluator: On the line provided for each item to be evaluated, place an “O” for outstanding, a “C” for competent or a “U” for unsatisfactory.
Counseling Service and Responsibility
1. Actively participates in pupil placement decisions _____
2. Provides liaison and spokesman services to the community
and its agencies _____
3. Uses an approach that reflects a humanitarian concern for
dignity, confidentiality and the personal integrity of the student _____
4. Consults regularly with staff concerning student needs _____
5. Provides good orientation for new students _____
6. Involves parents in seeking solutions to school-related problems _____
7. Communicates and interacts effectively with colleagues,
parents and students _____
8. Regularly initiates both individual and group counseling activities
that reflect problem alleviation and/or growth in specific skills _____
9. Provides written evaluation summaries of group counseling
program assessments _____
10. Is accurate and prompt with records and reports _____
11. Exercises concern about proper use and care of buildings,
equipment and supplies
Classroom Guidance and Management
1. Plans for delivery of the lesson relative to short-term and
long term objectives _____
2. Uses minimum class time for non-instructional routines and
maximizes time on task _____
3. Clearly defines expected behavior (encourages positive behavior
controls negative behavior) _____
4. Establishes rapport with students and provides a pleasant, safe
And orderly climate conducive to learning _____
Methods of Instruction for Classroom Guidance
1. Communicates the instructional objectives to students _____
2. Shows how the present topic is related to those topics that have
been taught or that will be taught _____
3. Relates subject topics to existing student experiences _____
4. Uses signaled responses, questioning techniques and/or guided
practices to involve all students _____
5. Teaches the objectives through a variety of methods _____
6. Gives directions that are clearly stated and related to the
learning objectives _____
7. Determines if students are progressing toward stated objectives _____
8. Changes instruction based on the results of monitoring _____
9. Requires all students to practice newly learned skills while under
direct supervision of the counselor _____
10. Requires students to practice newly learned skills without
direct supervision of the counselor _____
11. Summarizes and fits into context what has been taught _____
Products
1. Writes daily lesson plans designed to achieve identified
objectives _____
2. Maintains a written record of student progress _____
3. Utilizes grading patterns that are fairly administered and based
on identified criteria _____
4. Students demonstrate mastery of stated objectives through
projects, daily assignments, performance and test scores _____
Professional Responsibilities
1. Demonstrates self-control _____
2. Complies with school rules, regulations and policies _____
3. Demonstrates respect for authority _____
4. Contributes to the total school program through involvement
in the formulation of policies and procedures that affect one’s
professional services, including curriculum, teaching materials,
methods of instruction and school-community relations _____
5. Adheres to professional ethics as defined in board policy _____
6. Maintains and improves professional competence _____
7. Accepts responsibility for assigned extra-curricular activities _____
8. Demonstrates dependability and punctuality in carrying out
duties of the position _____
9. Is enthusiastic about his/her job and approaches the task in a
positive manner _____
10. Demonstrates responsible attitude toward attendance/absences _____
11. Gives proper attention to good grooming and dress _____
From the items listed, what notable points were observed by the evaluator in classroom and other observations?
From the items listed, what did you observe to be the “special strengths” of the counselor?
From the items listed, what did you observe to be areas in need of improvement?
Discuss ways in which you have assisted, or plan to assist, the counselor to improve Note: A plan of improvement is required for any items rated as marginal or unsatisfactory.
COUNSELOR'S COMMENTS: The counselor is invited to make any comments which he/she may wish to include as part of the evaluation. Counselor's comments will be added as an attachment to the evaluation.
This evaluation is based on _____ classroom visits, principal/counselor he/she may wish to include as part of the evaluation. Counselor's comments will be added as an attachment to the evaluation.
I certify this evaluation has been discussed with me. I understand my signature does not necessarily indicate agreement.
________________________________ _____________________ ______________
Counselor’s Signature Title Date
________________________________ _____________________ ______________
Evaluator’s Signature Title Date
538
CERTIFIED PERSONNEL REDUCTION IN FORCE
In the event it becomes necessary to reduce the faculty (professional staff) because of diminished resources, decline in enrollment, consolidation of programs or positions, elimination of programs, or other circumstances determined by Wynona Board of Education, the procedure to be followed appears below.
For the purpose of this policy, seniority is defined as the total length of uninterrupted service with the school district as a licensed or certified employee.
Wynona Board of Education or the administration will advise > use either (1) the Wynona Education Association or (2) the teachers < that a reduction in force appears imminent and will consider alternatives.
The board will determine which programs can best serve the needs of the students. The position or the program shall be the determining factor(s) for what will be eliminated, not the individuals that occupy the position or serve the program.
The board shall first attempt to reduce staff by normal attrition and, second, by the following:
1. Licensed staff first year, beginning shall be released first
2. Probationary staff shall be released next according to certification, seniority, and principal recommendations, in that order.
3. Career staff will be released according to certification, seniority, and principal recommendation, in that order.
Teachers holding eliminated positions will be placed in another position for which they are qualified by certification, if that position is held by a teacher lower on the criteria of certification and seniority, in that order.
Reference: A.G. Opinions 80- 197, 81-288, and 79-351
REDUCTION IN FORCE OF TEACHERS A reduction in certified teachers may be recommended to Wynona Board of Education in the event that it is financially desirable to reduce personnel expenditures due to the event that:
1. There has been a decrease or there is a projected decrease in sources of revenue below the levels approved to fund current fiscal year appropriations by the county Excise Board which also may adversely affect the state aid the district will be able to appropriate for the coming fiscal year.
2. There is a projected decrease in total school or district student enrollment for the coming school year or there has been an actual decrease in school or student enrollment during the current school year;
3. There is a projected decrease in student enrollment in a particular grade or there has been an actual decrease in student enrollment in a particular grade during the current school year;
4. Although there is a projected or actual increase in revenue sources, such increase is deemed to be insufficient for the board to meet financial or anticipated financial obligations or goals of the district because of increases in expenditures;
5. It is financially desirable to reach an amount of carry-over funds that are reasonably necessary to be able to pay for unknown or potential unexpected events, such as damage or vandalism to property, increased utility costs, increased insurance premiums, increased costs in providing required special education and related services to a child with disabilities, or to reach a level of funding needed for improved or additional instructional programs;
6. It is desirable to discontinue or consolidate student program or course(s) because of educational, financial, or student interest reasons;
7. Additional programs or courses will be required to be added to the curriculum due to requirements of state or federal law or regulations; or
8. For any other financial or instructional or operational reason that the board deems needs additional funding to benefit the educational mission of the school district.
The superintendent shall make recommendations for reduction to the board of education and will advise the faculty when a reduction in force appears imminent.
Reference: A.G. Opinions 80- 197, 81-288, and 79-351
538..R.1
REGULATION
IMPLEMENTATION OF INVOLUNTARY
REDUCTION IN FORCE: CERTIFIED STAFF
Procedures for Implementation
The positions eliminated will be the determining factor, not the teachers occupying those positions. After Wynona Board of Education has determined the areas or units for reduction, staff will be reduced according to the following sequence:
1. Licensed staff
2. Probationary staff
3. Career staff
However, within the units for reduction as defined by the board, no career, probationary, or licensed teacher who does not hold standard certification for a reduced position will be retained over a teacher who does hold standard certification for the reduced position. Certification may be achieved up to and including the last day of school.
Reduction Procedures in the Event of Two or More Certified Employees with Similar Qualifications
If there is more than one licensed, probationary, or career teacher in the classification or area being reduced, the following criteria shall apply in sequence:
1. Certification
A teacher who holds standard certification in the affected position will be retained over a teacher with provisional certification. A teacher with provisional certification will be retained over a teacher with temporary certification. Certification may be achieved up to and including the last day of school.
2. Seniority
Seniority is defined as the length of full-time contracted employment in the district, beginning on the date the employee first reported to work. Seniority for the purpose of this policy accrues only from the date of the most recent continuous employment. Leaves of absence granted by the board of education do not interrupt accrual of seniority. Seniority among all teachers with the same starting date will be determined by the date the employee's original contract was first approved by the board.
If a reduction in force is enacted by the board of education, a seniority list for the
area or unit affected will be drawn by the administration and made available to
all teachers assigned in the area or unit to be reduced.
3. Comparable certification and seniority
If certification and seniority are the same according to the above criteria, the determining factors in order of importance will be:
a. Academic degree status in teaching assignment
b. Total years of teaching experience in the retained position in the district
c. Total years of teaching experience credited in Oklahoma
d. If the above criteria are equal, the superintendent of schools shall make the final determination.
Career Teachers
Any career teacher whose position is eliminated as a result of this policy, and who holds standard certification in another area, will be placed by the administration in another teaching area, provided the area in which he/she holds standard certification is occupied by probationary or licensed teachers. Selection of the probationary or licensed teachers to be reduced to accommodate placement of the career teacher shall be determined by certification and seniority as provided in this policy. The probationary or licensed teachers thus identified will be released and placed on the recall list. Certification may be achieved up to and including the last day of school.
If all positions for which a career teacher holds standard certification are filled with other career teachers, the teacher whose position is eliminated will be released, regardless of career status.
Notification
Any employee who is relieved from active employment with Wynona Public Schools as a result of this policy shall be given written notice by certified mail of that fact through the office of the superintendent within ten (10) days following board of education action.
Exceptions
1. All persons under contract to Wynona Public Schools as identified by Section 98, 1982 School Laws of Oklahoma, are excepted from the provision of this policy.
2. Any provisions of this policy which are in conflict with any statutes or Attorney General Opinions of the State of Oklahoma shall be void.
3. Notwithstanding anything stated here to the contrary, the board of education reserves the right to select and employ all administrators.
4. Nothing in this policy is to be construed as limiting the power of the board of education to dismiss or release a non-tenured or tenured teacher for cause or as otherwise permitted by law.
5. The provisions of this policy are severable and if any part of this policy shall be held void, the decision of the court holding shall not affect or impair any of the remaining parts or provision.
Revisions
The board may, at any time, revise the procedures contained herein, including the factors to be considered in identifying teachers to be released. However, the procedures in effect at the beginning of the school year in which the notice of release is given to the teachers will govern such release.
539
SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS
Wynona Board of Education supports the concept that when a teacher is absent, the teacher's class should be assigned to a regular teacher employed by the district or a substitute teacher. The principal will assign to that classroom the person who is most appropriate for the education of the students. Each teacher may recommend a substitute to cover the class.
Another teacher in the school district may be assigned to that class at no cost or a cost agreed upon between the district and the teacher.
In compliance with state law, no substitute teacher shall be employed for more than ninety (90) days during a school year unless he/she holds a valid teaching certificate or more than one hundred (100) days if the substitute holds a college degree. Nor may a non-certified teacher teach more than twenty (20) days during the year in the same assignment. However, such restrictions will not apply if the substitute is employed to teach special education and if no certified teachers are available and students would otherwise be denied instruction.
539..R.1
CERTIFIED PERSONNEL
GUIDELINES FOR SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS
It is the duty of a conscientious and efficient teacher to be on the job every day. A substitute should be used in cases of emergency, illness or an approved absence. When a teacher needs a substitute, the principal shall be notified as soon as possible.
Substitute teachers shall be paid as follows:
Non-certified substitutes $50.00 per day
Certified substitutes $60.00 per day
A teacher who uses his/her preparation period to teach a class for the regular teacher will be paid $10.00 per class by Wynona School District.
540 549
NOT USED
These policy numbers are reserved for future development of personnel policies.
550
SUPPORT SERVICES
Support Service Goals
Support services are essential to the successful function of a school system. Management of support services is an important responsibility of the district’s administration. However, education of the students is the primary function of the district. All support services shall be provided, guided and evaluated by this requirement.
In order to provide support services that are truly supportive of the educational program, the board establishes these broad goals.
1. To provide a physical environment for teaching and learning that is safe and pleasant for students, staff and the public.
2. To provide safe transportation for students to and from school.
3. To provide nutritious meals for students.
The Support Staff Wynona Board of Education recognizes the need for a trained, efficient support staff. These employees are often the first contact that the public has with the school. Therefore, they have an important role in public relations for Wynona School District. These positions include, but are not limited to, the following:
Secretary
School secretaries are responsible for the daily operation of the school office.
Specialized secretarial positions, as required by law, include the minutes clerk and the
encumbrance clerk.
Media Assistant and Classroom Assistant
Formerly called aides, these employees assist certified staff in carrying out instruction-related services. State law permits the use of assistants in meeting class-size requirements.
Federal Programs Assistant
Employees in this area work in Title I, Indian Education, and special education services.
Child Nutrition Service
The district offers breakfast and lunch. Employees include managers, cooks, and lunchroom assistants.
Maintenance and Custodian
Keeping the buildings and grounds clean and attractive is the responsibility of these employees. Repairing of facilities and minor construction may also be a part of the responsibilities of maintenance and custodial employees.
Transportation
Bus drivers are required to be certified by the State Department of Education, be twenty years of age or older, and pass a drug test.
550..R.1
REGULATION
JOB DESCRIPTION--MINUTES CLERK
Qualifications: Ability to take notes during a meeting and transcribe them to a usable document.
Reports to: Superintendent
Job Goal: To provide the board with an accurate written record of the board's
proceedings
Performance Responsibilities:
1. Prepares the boardroom for each meeting of the board of education
2. Prepares and distributes to each board member the agenda and materials needed for each meeting
3. Records board meetings and prepares minutes
4. Distributes prepared minutes to board members
Terms of employment: Board meetings plus two additional days for each meeting.
Evaluation: Performance on this job shall be evaluated annually in accordance with provisions of the board's policy on evaluation on non-certified personnel.
Approved: ___________________________________ Date: _______________
Superintendent
Reviewed: ___________________________________ Date: _______________
Employee
550..R.2
REGULATION
JOB DESCRIPTION--TREASURER
Qualifications: General bookkeeping knowledge, must reside in this county and
must be bonded
Reports to: Superintendent
Job Goal: To maintain accurate records of the financial status of the district and file financial reports of each account to the board each month
Performance Responsibilities:
l. Maintain basic treasurer's records for the following.
General Ledger Deposit Book
Cash Ledger Bond Register
Investment Ledger Check Book
Warrant Ledger Receipt Book
2. Report monthly to the board on the financial status of the district.
3. Provide all necessary reports for an external audit of the financial records on an annual basis.
Terms of Employment: One year. Salary to be determined by the board.
Evaluation: Performance of this job shall be evaluated annually in accordance with provisions of the board's policy on Evaluation of non-certified personnel.
Approved: ___________________________________ Date: ______________
Superintendent
Reviewed: ___________________________________ Date: _______________
Employee
550..R.3
REGULATION
JOB DESCRIPTION-ENCUMBRANCE CLERK
QUALIFICATIONS: Typing skills of 35 words per minute
Ability to assign proper coding to each encumbrance
REPORTS TO: Superintendent
JOB GOAL: Maintain an accurate encumbrance record of school purchases
PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Prepares encumbrances and purchase orders for the district
2. Assigns P.O. number and establishes an accounts payable ledger
3. Sends orders to vendors and checks merchandise on delivery
4. Establishes invoice to be correct and sets it up for payment
5. Reports activity to the board on a monthly basis
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: 242 days annually. Salary established by the board
EVALUATION: Performance on this job will be evaluated annually in accordance with provisions of the board's policy on Evaluation of Nonprofessional Personnel.
Approved: ________________________________ Date _______________
Superintendent
Reviewed: ________________________________ Date ________________
Employee
550..R.4
REGULATION
JOB DESCRIPTION--SCHOOL SECRETARY
Qualifications:
1. A reasonable degree of proficiency in typing with a minimum rate of 50 words per minute
2. Working knowledge of basic office procedures and operation of common office equipment and machines
3. Knowledge of spelling, punctuation, arithmetic, business English, and standard office record keeping
4. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others
Reports to: Principal
Job Goals: To assure the smooth and efficient operation of the school office so that
office's maximum positive impact on the education of the children can be realized.
Performance Responsibilities:
1. Maintains student records as required
2. Performs clerical tasks of maintaining files and school records
3. Composes and prepares correspondence and reports
4. Schedules appointments
5. Receives and routes incoming telephone calls and mail
6. Performs other tasks required by the principal for effective operation of the school office
Terms of Employment: Salary and work year to be established by the board.
Evaluation: Performance of this job shall be evaluated annually in accordance with provisions of the board's policy on evaluation of non-certified personnel.
Approved : __________________________________ Date _____________
Superintendent
Reviewed: __________________________________ Date _____________
Employee
550..R.5
REGULATION
JOB DESCRIPTION--ACTIVITY FUND CLERK
Qualifications: Knowledge of basic bookkeeping procedures
Reports to: Superintendent
Job Goal: To provide an accurate accounting of the activity fund
Performance Responsibility:
1. Provides a centralized system of accounting and a uniform method of handling student activity funds
2. Receives for deposit all funds from activity treasurers or sponsors and retains original deposit forms
3. Issues pre-numbered receipts to activity treasurers or sponsors
4. Records entries in cash receipts journal and appropriate ledgers
5. Reconciles cash daily. Prepares bank deposit forms and makes deposit
6. Balances cash receipts journal and ledgers at the end of each month
7. Reports to the board all financial activity of the fund and sub-funds each month.
8. Writes checks on an as needed basis for each organization
Terms of Employment: Days and salary to be established by the board.
Evaluation: Performance of this job shall be evaluated annually in accordance with provisions of the board's policy on evaluation of non-certified personnel.
Approved: ________________________________________ Date: _______________
Superintendent
Reviewed; ________________________________________ Date: _______________
Employee
550..R.6
REGULATION
JOB DESCRIPTION - SUPERINTENDENT’S SECRETARY
Qualifications:
1. A high school diploma
2. Typing and computer and telephone skills
3. Works well with people, loyal, quick learner
4. Neat and well-groomed
Reports to: Superintendent
Job Goal: To operate an efficient, professional school district office and to be a knowledgeable resource for contact with the public
Performance Responsibilities:
1. Complete all assignments neatly, accurately and efficiently
2. Be loyal to the district and fellow employees
3. Be professional, courteous to all patrons, visitors, and employees
4. Follow board of education policies
5. Perform tasks as required by the superintendent
Terms of Employment: Twelve months. Salary to be determined by the board.
Evaluation: Performance of this job shall be evaluated annually in accordance with provisions of the board’s policy on evaluation of non-certified personnel.
Approved: ____________________________ Date: __________________
Superintendent
Reviewed: ____________________________ Date: __________________
Employee
550..R.7
Not Used
550..R.8
REGULATION
JOB DESCRIPTION--FOOD SERVICE MANAGER
Qualifications:
1. Demonstrated aptitude for successful performance of the tasks listed
2. Exhibit managerial ability. The ability to motivate and direct people
3. Basic knowledge of nutritional guidelines
4. Knowledgeable and experienced in quantity food preparation
Reports to: Superintendent
Job Goal: To serve students attractive and nutritious meals in an atmosphere of efficiency, cleanliness and warmth
Performance Responsibilities:
1. Determines portion size of foods served according to age level
2. Participates, supervises and instructs kitchen personnel in the safe, proper and efficient use of all kitchen equipment
3. Maintains the highest standards of safety and cleanliness in the kitchen
4. Records all food requisitions from the storeroom and records all meals served, designating with or without milk
5. Confers with the superintendent regarding any personnel problems
6. Reports immediately to the superintendent any problem or accident occurring in the kitchen or the cafeteria premises
7. Receives suggestions from student and faculty groups regarding prepared foods and meals. Makes every effort to incorporate such suggestions into the program in a manner consistent with good institutional standards
8. Reports to the superintendent any faulty or inferior quality food that is received
9. Reports monthly to the superintendent's office a cost sheet and lunchroom participation account
10. Obtains substitute cooks when regular cooks are absent and reports these to the superintendent's office on a monthly basis
11. Develops an interpersonal relationship among cafeteria employees that is conducive to a proper working atmosphere
Terms of Employment: Ten or twelve months as determined by the board. Salary to be determined by the board.
Evaluation: Performance of this job shall be evaluated annually in accordance with provisions of the board's policy on evaluation of noncertified personnel.
Approved: ____________________________________ Date ____________________
Superintendent
Reviewed: ____________________________________ Date ____________________
Employee
550..R.9
REGULATION
JOB DESCRIPTION--COOK
Qualifications:
1. Demonstrated aptitude for successful performance of the task listed
2. Some training and experience in preparation of food
3. Math ability to make adjustments in recipes for quantity changes
Reports to: Superintendent
Job Goal: To serve the students attractive and nutritious meals in an atmosphere of
efficiency, cleanliness and warmth
Performance Responsibilities:
1. Under supervision, prepares food according to time schedule. Duties include mainly the cooking of main dishes and vegetables. However, every job in the kitchen may be included. These include: food preparation, baking and cooking, pot washing, serving, mopping, dish machine operation, cashier, sweeping, and/or cleaning of kitchen equipment
2. Maintains the highest standards of safety and cleanliness in the kitchen
3. Supervises the daily cleaning of all kitchen equipment and the washing and sterilizing of all dishes, silverware and utensils
4. Checks food shipments into the school and maintains correct monthly inventory
5. Purchases or requisitions food, equipment and supplies. Checks food shipments into the school and signs invoices only after each order is verified
6. Prepares food according to a planned menu and tested, uniform recipes and determines if the finished product is of best quality both in flavor and appearance before it is served
7. Maintains a current inventory or equipment and food
8. Utilizes perishable foods to reduce waste to a minimum
9. Prepares food according to established specifications for proper nutrition. Prepares food according to a planned menu and tested, uniform recipes and determines if the finished product is of best quality both in flavor and appearance before it is served
10. Assumes responsibility for storage and disposal of unused foods
Terms of employment: Ten or twelve months as determined by the board. Salary to be determined by the board.
Evaluation: Performance of this job will be evaluated annually in accordance with the provisions of the board's policy on evaluation of noncertified personnel
Approved : __________________________________ Date: ____________________
Superintendent
Reviewed: __________________________________ Date: _____________________
Employee
550..R.10
REGULATION
JOB DESCRIPTION—FOOD SERVICE ASSISTANT
Qualifications: Demonstrates aptitude for successful performance of the tasks listed
Reports to: Superintendent
Job Goal: To serve the students attractive and nutritious meals in an atmosphere of efficiency, cleanliness and warmth
Performance Responsibilities:
1. Washes and sterilizes dishes, silverware and utensils daily
2. Mops dining area daily
3. Assists in the daily clean up of the kitchen and service areas
4. Performs major cleaning of refrigerators and storerooms at regularly scheduled intervals as designated by the lunchroom manager
5. Assumes responsibility of food storage delivered after the lunch meal has been served
6. Assumes responsibility for storage and disposal of unused foods
Terms of employment: The lunchroom assistant shall work 180 days of the school year.
Evaluation: Performance of this job will be evaluated annually in accordance with provisions of the board's policy on evaluation of non-certified personnel
Approved: ________________________________ Date: ______________
Superintendent
Reviewed: _________________________________ Date: ______________
Employee
550..R.11
REGULATION
JOB DESCRIPTION--CUSTODIAN
QUALIFICATIONS:
1. Be of good health
2. Demonstrate aptitude for successful fulfillment of assigned responsibilities.
REPORTS TO: Superintendent
JOB GOAL: To provide students with a safe, attractive, comfortable, clean, and efficient place in which to learn, play, and develop
PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Keeps building and premises, including sidewalks, driveways, and play areas, neat and clean at all times
2. Regulates heat, ventilation, and air conditioning systems to provide temperatures appropriate to the season and to insure economical usage of fuel, water, and electricity
3. Shovels, plows, and/or sands the walks, driveways, parking areas, and steps, as appropriate
4. Checks daily to insure that all exit doors are open and all panic bolts are working properly during the hours of building occupancy
5. Sweeps classrooms daily, dusts furniture, and empties trash
6. Cleans corridors after school each day, and during the day when condition require.
7. Scrubs, hoses down, and disinfects toilet floors daily, and cleans all sanitary fixtures and drinking fountains daily.
8. Washes all windows on both the inside and outside at least once each year, and more frequently if necessary.
9. Keeps the grounds free from rubbish
10. Performs such yard keeping chores as grass cutting, tree trimming, and the like, as necessary, to maintain the school grounds in a safe and attractive condition.
11. Keeps all floors, doors, and walls in a clean and attractive condition and in a good state of preservation
12. Cleans all chalkboards at least once a week
13. Paints and makes such minor building repairs as he/she is capable of and assists general mechanics in remodeling and renovation work
14. Reports major repairs needed promptly to the superintendent
15. Maintains on a regular schedule all motors and other mechanical equipment requiring scheduled servicing, including replacing all venting screens on a regular scheduled basis
16. Reports immediately to the principal any damage to school property
17. Assumes responsibility for the opening and closing of the building each day and for determining, before leaving, that all doors and windows are secured and all lights, except those left on for safety reasons, are turned off
18. Keeps an inventory of supplies, equipment, and fuel on hand, and requisitions such needed replacements from the superintendent far enough in advance that they may be delivered at such times as will not hinder the custodian in his duties
19. Conducts an ongoing program of general maintenance, upkeep, and repair.
20. Moves furniture or equipment within buildings as required for various activities and as directed by the principal
21. Conducts periodic inspections and tests of all electrical and gas installations in the school to insure their safe condition
22. Assumes responsibility for the general fire safety of the building
23. Performs emergency repair or cleaning services as necessary
24. Maintains store rooms in a clean and orderly fashion
25. Performs other assignments requested by the administration
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: Twelve months or as determined by the board. Salary to be determined by the board.
EVALUATION: Performance of this job will be evaluated annually in accordance provisions of the board's policy on evaluation of support personnel.
Approved: ______________________________________ Date:__________________
Principal
Reviewed: ______________________________________ Date:__________________
Employee
550..R.12
REGULATION
JOB DESCRIPTION - MAINTENANCE
Qualifications:
1. Demonstrated knowledge of and experience in minor electrical and plumbing repair.
2. Ability to perform routine tasks without close supervision.
3. Be in good health.
Reports to: Superintendent
Job Goal: To provide students with a safe efficient place in which to learn, play and develop.
Performance Responsibilities:
1. Responsible for maintenance of general repairs -- water fountains, door latches, playground equipment, etc.
2. Responsible for keeping heating and cooling systems operating adequately
3. Responsible for minor maintenance of plumbing and electrical equipment
4. Responsible for keeping grounds clean and grass mowed
Terms of Employment: Twelve months or as determined by the board. Salary to be determined by the board.
Evaluation: Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the board’s policy on evaluation of support personnel.
Approved: ______________________________ Date: ____________________
Superintendent
Reviewed: ______________________________ Date: ____________________
Employee
550..R.13
REGULATION
JOB DESCRIPTION - BUS DRIVER
Qualifications:
1. Valid commercial driver's license
2. Valid certification from the State Department of Education
3. Annual health statement from a physician
4. Ability to relate to students and adapt to fluctuating situations.
5. Some commercial years of driving experience
Reports to: Superintendent's office for all reports
Principal's office for discipline problems
Job Goal: To provide safe and efficient transportation for students.
Performance Responsibilities:
1. Obeys all traffic laws
2. Observes all mandatory safety regulations for school buses
3. Maintains discipline when students are on bus
4. Reports undisciplined students to the proper principal
5. Keeps assigned bus clean daily and washes bus when it is dirty
6. Keeps to assigned schedule
7. Checks bus before each operation for mechanical defects
8. Notifies the proper authority in case of mechanical failure or lateness
9. Discharges students only at authorized stops
10. Exercises responsible leadership when on out-of-district school trips
11. Transports only authorized students
12. Reports all accidents and completes required reports
13. Enforces regulations against smoking and eating on the bus
Terms of Employment: Days of employment and salary will be determined by the board.
Evaluation: Performance of this job will be evaluated annually in accordance with provisions of the board's policy on evaluation of support personnel.
Approved : _______________________________________Date_________________
Principal
Reviewed: ________________________________________Date_________________
Employee
551
SUPPORT EMPLOYEES
EVALUATION
Wynona Board of Education supports the concept that proper evaluation can result in improved performance. The performance, progress and potential of every employee shall be reviewed during the first thirty (30) days of employment and periodically thereafter. The purpose of this review is to give the employee an opportunity to know areas of concern for improvement and to assist the supervisor in guiding the progress of potential for each employee.
During these reviews the employee's job performance will be rated on attendance, job knowledge, quality of work, attitude, dependability, conduct, teamwork and neatness. This is also a time for the employee and the supervisor to voice thoughts about progress, working conditions and schedules.
551..R.1
REGULATION
PERFORMANCE REVIEW
FOR NONCERTIFIED PERSONNEL
Wynona School District
Performance Review
_________________________________ _______________________________
Employee Name Period Reviewed
Appropriate Room for Unsatisfactory
Level of Growth
Performance
1. Attendance (Comments)__________________ ______ ______ ______
_______________________________________
2. Job Knowledge (Comments)_______________ ______ ______ ______
_______________________________________
3. Quality of Work (Comments) ______________ ______ ______ ______
_______________________________________
4. Attitude (Comments) ____________________ ______ ______ ______
_______________________________________
5. Dependability (Comments) ________________ ______ ______ ______
_______________________________________
6. Conduct (Comments) ____________________ ______ ______ ______
_______________________________________
7. Teamwork (Comments) __________________ ______ ______ ______
_______________________________________
8. Neatness (Comments) ___________________ ______ ______ ______
_______________________________________
Receipt Acknowledged:
Do you recommend remediation? _____Yes _____No
Employee: Check the appropriate statements:
___ I agree with the above evaluation.
___ I disagree with the evaluation.
___ I request a Job Targets Report for the "Needs to Improve" ratings checked above.
Within two weeks after the date of this evaluation, the employee may respond and said response shall be a part of the record.
__________________________ ________________________________
Employee Signature Date Supervisor Date
552
SUSPENSION, DEMOTION, OR TERMINATION
OF SUPPORT EMPLOYEES
In order to comply with Title 70 of the Oklahoma Statutes, Sections 24-132 through 24-136, Wynona Board of Education hereby adopts the following procedures for the suspension, demotion, or termination of support employees.
For the purposes of this policy a "support employee" is defined as an employee of the school district who provides those services, not performed by professional educators or licensed teachers, that are necessary for the efficient and satisfactory functioning of a school district.
No support employee who has been employed in the school district for one year or more may be suspended, demoted, or terminated except for causes set out by this policy.
Causes for Employment Action In order to comply with Title 70 of Oklahoma Statutes Sections 24-132 through 24-136, the board of education hereby adopts the following causes for suspension, demotion, or termination. Any of the violations listed below shall be sufficient grounds for the suspension, demotion, or termination of the support employee.
1. Failure to be at work station at starting time
2. Leaving work station without authorization prior to lunch periods or end of work day
3. Excessive unexcused absenteeism
4. Chronic absenteeism for any reason
5. Excessive tardiness
6. Wasting time or loitering during working hours
7. Leaving work area during working hours, without permission first, for any reason
8. Falsification of personnel or other records
9. Possession of weapons on the premises at any time
10. Removing district property, records or confidential information from premises without proper authority
11. Willful abuse, misuse, defacing, or destruction of district property, including tools and equipment, or other property of other employees
12. Theft or misappropriation of property of employees, students, or the district
13. Sabotage
14. Distracting the attention of others
15. Refusal to follow instructions of supervisor
16. Refusal or failure to do work assignment
17. Unauthorized operation of machines, tools, or equipment
18. Threatening, intimidating, coercing or interfering with employees or supervision at any time
19. Making or publishing false, vicious, or malicious statements concerning any employee, supervisor, or the district
20. Creating disturbances on the premises at any time
21. Creating or contributing to unsanitary conditions
22. Practical jokes injurious to employee's or district property.
23. Possession, consumption, or reporting to work under the influence of alcohol, nonprescribed drugs, or controlled substances
24. Disregard of known safety rules or common safety practices
25. Unsafe operation of motor driven vehicles
26. Operating machines or equipment without safety devices provided
27. Gambling, lottery, or any other game of chance on district property
28. Unauthorized distribution of literature, written or printed matter of any description on district property
29. Posting or removing notices, signs, or writing in any form on bulletin boards of district property at any time without specific authority of the administration
30. Poor workmanship
31. Immoral conduct or indecency, including abusive and/or foul language
32. Personal calls during working hours, except for emergencies (including in-coming and out-going calls)
33. Walking off job
34. Smoking in an unauthorized area or at any unauthorized time
35. Failure to follow district dress code
36. Refusal of job transfer within the district, if the transfer does not result in a demotion
37. Abuse of "breaks" (rest periods) or meal period policies
38. Any working of overtime without prior authorization from supervisor
39. Insubordination of any kind
40. Violation of any district rule or policy
41. Violation of any administrative rule or order
42. When it is in the best interest of the school district
Employment Action Without Cause Whenever the superintendent of schools is of the opinion that the immediate suspension of a support employee is necessary and in the best interest of a school district, the superintendent may suspend the employee without notice or hearing. If an employee is suspended for a period exceeding ten days, the superintendent shall initiate proceedings for termination and shall follow the procedures set forth in this policy. However, in a case involving a criminal charge, the suspension may be delayed until the case is adjudicated at trial. Nothing herein shall prevent proceeding against the employee during or after the suspension for termination as provided in this policy.
Support employees with less than one year of service may be suspended, demoted, terminated or non-reemployed at any time without cause.
Hearing Support employees with more than one year of service may be suspended, demoted, terminated or non-reemployed only for cause, in accordance with the following procedures.
1. The employee shall be advised in writing of the right to a hearing before the board as provided for under 70 O.S. Sections 6-101.46
2. If the employee requests a hearing within ten (10) working days after receiving the notice, a hearing will be scheduled at the next regularly scheduled board meeting or a special meeting called for that purpose.
3. If the employee fails to request a hearing within ten (10) working days of the notice, the employee shall be considered to have waived his/her right to a hearing.
4. The decision of the board of education shall be final.
5. Nothing in this policy shall be construed to prevent layoffs for lack of funds or lack of work.
552..R.1
REGULATION EMPLOYEE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT LETTER
Wynona Public Schools Acknowledgement of Employment Action
The undersigned hereby acknowledges receipt of a copy of the Suspension, Demotion, Termination and Non-reemployment of Support Employees policies and procedures for Wynona Public Schools, as of the date written below. A copy of the policies and procedures that I have received is attached to the acknowledgement and is identified as policy 552 for Wynona Public Schools.
____________________________________
Print Name
____________________________________
Signature of Employee
____________________________________
Date
553
STAFF
VACATIONS AND HOLIDAYS
Vacations Support personnel of Wynona School District employed on a twelve-month basis shall receive credit for ten days of paid vacation per year, accrued at a rate of one day per month after the first two months of employment.
1. Employees with thirty years of service at Wynona School District will be granted three weeks paid vacation.
2. At the discretion of the superintendent, five earned vacation days may be taken one day at a time during the school year.
3. Vacation time cannot be accumulated or carried over from one school year to the next.
4. Vacation days will be scheduled at the discretion of the superintendent.
5. Those twelve-month employees who were not employed for a full year will have their vacation time pro-rated.
Holidays
Full-time support employees are entitled to time off with pay for holidays that are observed by the school district as specified by contract. Designated holidays are
New Year’s Day
Memorial Day (Last Monday in May)
Fourth of July
Labor Day (First Monday in September)
Thanksgiving
Christmas
The board reserves the right to add other holidays it deems appropriate.
554
REDUCTION IN FORCE
SUPPORT STAFF
Wynona Board of Education reserves the sole and exclusive authority to reduce support staff through involuntary reduction in force procedures consistent with the provisions of this policy and the employment contract. Elimination of support staff positions through involuntary means may result from decreases in student enrollment, financial conditions, reduction or ships in educational programs, or other circumstances determined by the board.
In the event it becomes necessary to reduce the support personnel staff because of diminished resources, decline in enrollment, consolidation of programs or positions, elimination of programs, or other circumstances determined by Wynona Board of Education, the following philosophy will prevail:
"This school district exists to provide the very best quality of education possible for the student; therefore, the board of education will determine which staff members can best serve the needs of the student."
The position, or program, will be the determining factors for what will be eliminated. The board of education will attempt to reduce staff by normal attrition and, second, by the following:
1. Longevity of employment in the district
2. Best-qualified employee for the position needed
The administration will make reasonable effort to communicate and inform the support staff on a timely basis as conditions and circumstances arise which may call for utilization of involuntary reduction in force procedures and, when possible, to accomplish necessary reductions through attrition and transfer.
554..R.1
REGULATION
PROCEDURES FOR
REDUCTION IN FORCE: SUPPORT STAFF
Procedures for Implementation
The positions eliminated shall be the determining factor, not the individuals occupying the positions. After the category or units for reduction have been determined by the board of education, support staff will be reduced according to the following sequence: a. Part-time employee’s b. full-time employees.
An employee is considered to be a full-time employee if the employee works
six (6) hours or more per day or thirty (30) hours per week.
Within the categories for reduction as defined by the board of education, order of layoff shall be determined by seniority. Seniority is defined as the length of contracted service in the district, beginning on the date the employee first reported to work. Seniority for the purposes of this policy accrues only from the date of the most recent continuous employment. Seniority among support employees with the same starting date will be determined by the date the employee's original contract was executed.
If seniority is equal for a position, the superintendent of schools shall make the final determination for reduction based upon individual history of job performance.
Notification
Any employee who is relieved from active employment with Wynona Public Schools as a result of this policy shall be given written notice by certified mail, return receipt requested, of that fact through the office of the superintendent within ten (10) days following board action.
Exceptions
1. Any provisions of this policy which are in conflict with any statutes or Attorney General Opinions of the State of Oklahoma shall be void.
2. Notwithstanding anything stated here to the contrary, the board of education reserves the right to select and employ all administrators, directors and supervisors.
3. Nothing in this policy is to be construed as limiting the power of the board of education to dismiss or release employees for cause as determined by the employment contract or as otherwise permitted by law.
4. The provisions of this policy are severable and if any part of this policy shall be held void, the decision of the court holding shall not affect or impair any of the remaining parts or provisions.
Revisions
The board may, at any time, revise the procedures contained herein, including the factors to be considered in identifying employees to be releases. However, the procedures in effect at the beginning of the fiscal year in which the notice of release is given to the employee will govern the release.
Section 600
Table of Contents
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INSTRUCTION
601 Curriculum and Instruction
601..R.1 Priority Academic Student Skills
601..R.2 Goals of the Curriculum
601..R.3 Curriculum Development and Authorization
601..R.4 Veterans’ Day and Flag Etiquette
602 Admission of Underage Children
603 Early Childhood and Kindergarten Admission and Immunizations
604 Class Interruptions
605 Homework
606 Grading and Report Cards
606..R.1 Instructions for Grading and Report Cards
606..R.2 Change of Grade Request
607 Promotion and Retention
607..R.1 Retention
607..R.2 Retention Appeal
608 Promotion Based on Proficiency Testing
608..R.1 Proficiency-Based Promotion
609 Credit for Advanced Courses
610 High School Graduation Requirements
611 Honor Graduates and Academic Recognition
612 Alternative Education
612..R.1 Guidelines for Alternative Education
612..R.2 Alternative Education Program
613 Activities and Attendance Relating to Instruction
613..R.1 Activities and Attendance
613..R.2 Ten-Day Absence Rule
614 Evaluation and Selection of Media Center Materials
614..R.1 Evaluation and Selection of Library Materials
614..R.2 Library/Media Center Bill of Rights
614..R.3 Handling Challenges to Instructional Materials
614..R.4 Request for Reconsideration of Instructional Materials
615 Internet Usage
615..R.1 Use of the Internet
615..R.2 Illegal Use of E-Mail Messaging
615..R.3 Application for Use of the Internet
616 AIDS Education
617 The School and Religion
617..R.1 Guidelines for Teaching about Religion
618 Gifted Student Program
619 Title I: Parent-Teacher Relations
620 Guidance and Counseling Services
621 Health Services 622 Copyrights
622..R.1 Use of Copyrights
622..R.2 Guidelines for Use of Copyrights
622..R.3 Equipment Notices and Requests for Use of Copyrights
623 Indian Policies and Procedures 624 Internet Instruction as an Alternative to Classroom Instruction
601
CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION
The Education Mission
Wynona Board of Education is responsible on behalf of the people of this district to establish, maintain and continually improve the public schools. As the designee to implement this mandate, the board acts in a regulatory and service capacity through the superintendent of schools.
Planning
The instructional program of Wynona Public Schools, therefore, will be designed to impart the knowledge and skills essential to function successfully in a democratic society. It will be so designed to allow each student to progress in accordance with his or her individual development. The curriculum shall be broad in scope and shall provide a wide range in student rate, readiness, and potential for learning through a balanced program of skills and knowledge. Instruction is to be based on the implementation of activities that enable each student to achieve the goals and objectives of the curriculum. Learning activities within the instructional process should be so designed to assist students in achieving the Priority Academic Student Skills as outlined by the Oklahoma State Department of Education.
Evaluation
Wynona School District shall develop a yearly site improvement plan that focuses on instructional assessments, which will be used to initiate program improvements and curricular changes. That plan shall become part of the Four-year Improvement Plan of the school district. The curriculum shall be developed, evaluated, and revised by the professional staff; however, the community and the students shall be involved whenever feasible.
Reference: “Curriculum and Instruction,” Accreditation Standards, State Department of Education, February, 2002, pp. 23-29
See also policies 102, 103 and 104
601..R.1
REGULATION
PRIORITY ACADEMIC STUDENT SKILLS
In accordance with Oklahoma law, the curriculum of Wynona School District will assist students in developing skills in the following:
1. Reading
2. Writing
3. Speaking
4. Listening
5. Computing
6. Quantitative and spatial thinking
7. Critical thinking
Students must, therefore, demonstrate competency in the Priority Academic Student Skills in the following core curricular areas:
1. Social studies
2. Language arts (reading, writing, listening, speaking and literature)
3. Languages (foreign, Native American and/or American Sign Language)
4. The Arts (visual art and general music)
5. Mathematics
6. Science
The district shall provide for the teaching and/or the integration of the following:
1. Instructional technology
2. Health/safety and physical education
3. Technology education
601..R.2
REGULATION GOALS OF THE CURRICULUM
Students
Students will be provided with appropriate educational opportunities. The number of students at risk should be reduced. Indicators are
1. After identifying students with special needs and establishing intervention programs, the graduation rate should reach 90% (from entrance into secondary school) with significant gains for those special needs groups.
2. A system of identification, intervention and assurance of progress of “at-risk and potential dropout” students will be effectively activated.
3. There will be a substantial increase in the number of students who graduate and successfully obtain employment or pursue post-secondary education.
Curriculum and Instruction
A responsive curricula and effective instruction will be provided to meet increasing demands and expectations of society for our students. Indicators are
1. We focus instruction on the needs of each individual student at all levels within the framework of an integrated curriculum.
2. All programs within the curriculum will provide for balanced student development in mental and physical areas with an emphasis on preserving and developing each child’s self-esteem and self-worth.
3. Students will achieve an increased level of responsibility for their own learning as they progress through the grades.
4. An accreditation plan will be implemented to assure equality in the quality of results-oriented instruction for all students. The plan will include a component supported by a state plan for improving low-performing schools.
5. All programs in the schools will emphasize teamwork and cooperation in a competitive world environment.
6. The K-12 curriculum will establish acceptable standards for reading, thinking, communicating and exercising self-discipline as a responsible and productive citizen appropriate to each student’s educational level.
7. Each level of the K-12 curriculum builds on higher order thinking skills.
8. The district will recruit and employ teachers and administrators of measurably high quality as a direct result of improvements in teacher education, teacher testing, and teacher evaluation.
Student Achievement Students of Wynona School District should rank in the upper levels of achievement in knowledge and skills in state and national comparisons. Indicators are
1. Students will consistently maintain above-average scores on the Oklahoma Testing Program and ACT.
2. All students should attain measurable proficiency in learning skills appropriate for their grade level and ability.
3. All students should master the essential elements of the core curriculum at their appropriate grade levels.
4. All students should demonstrate continued progress in all academic areas as measured over a three- year period by some testing procedure.
5. All students should experience preparation for life-long learning, productivity and service as evidenced by self-directed learning activities, practical application of learning, and service to others.
6. A majority of the students should develop measurable proficiency in social human relationships and bilingual skills. In addition, students should develop academic skills to be functional, productive citizens in the local community, state, nation and world at the level they choose.
Social Restructuring Wynona Public Schools should be noted statewide for its excellence in educational programs and the production of outstanding graduates. Indicators are
1. The district should achieve established performance criteria through an approved system of innovative restructuring.
2. Productive incentives shall be in place to validate and achieve established performance goals.
3. The district shall be successfully evaluated based on developed and state- approved indicators of excellence and effectiveness.
4. The district shall develop and implement a system of cooperative decision making that focuses on improvement in teaching and learning, and achieves success in student outcomes.
Financial Resources Each year the board will develop a budget that will allow for long-term commitment to the improvement of learning. A balance of spending will be to cover all curriculum areas.
Public Support
The board will plan, develop and implement strategies for generating public support aimed at strengthening families and the community and increasing individual opportunities. Indicators are
1. The board will solicit support and involvement from the community, parents and business groups.
2. The district will encourage public support in maintaining and improving all programs and services in the schools through volunteers, committee structures and cooperative arrangements.
3. The district will use high-impact communications and media to show progress in meeting the curriculum goals.
601..R.3
REGULATION CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT AND AUTHORIZATION
The Wynona Board of Education approves a curriculum that is developed in an orderly manner to insure the needs of students and the community are being met.
Staff members who wish to present material and/or topics, which appear to have the potential to be controversial to a patron or a student, should receive permission from the building principal prior to making the presentation.
If a patron or student finds a portion of the curriculum material or content to be objectionable, he/she may voice that objection.
1. The building principal will attempt to resolve the matter at that decision level.
2. If the issue cannot be resolved at the building level, the patron may file a written request for review of material with the superintendent. The superintendent will review the material and may seek the aid of others in making a decision. Such decision will be written and will be forwarded to the patron.
3. If the patron is not satisfied with the decision, he/she may make a written appeal to the board of education. The board will consider the appeal at a regularly scheduled board meeting.
Reference: 70 O.S. 11-106 (Section 250, School Laws of Oklahoma)
601..R.4
REGULATION VETERANS’ DAY AND FLAG ETIQUETTE
Veterans’ Day The district shall observe with an appropriate program in at least one class period honoring American veterans on Veterans’ Day each year. If November 11 falls on a weekend, the previous school day will be used for this observance.
Flag Etiquette
Instruction in the history and etiquette relating to the United States flag shall be given in one or more grades of the district.
Students are authorized to recite the Pledge of Allegiance at the beginning of each school day. However, students not wishing to participate shall not be required to do so, but will be expected to stand out of respect to those participating in the ceremony. The district shall post a sign to this effect at each school site.
Reference: SB 128, 2001 Legislative Session
602
ADMISSION
OF UNDERAGE CHILDREN
It is the policy of Wynona School Board, in compliance with state law, that the district shall not allow underage children to enroll in either kindergarten or early childhood programs.
Therefore, in order to enroll in an early childhood program, when offered, a child must be four years old on or before September 1 of the school year. In order to enroll in kindergarten, a child must be five years old on or before September l of the school year.
603
EARLY CHILDHOOD AND
KINDERGARTEN ADMISSION AND IMMUNIZATIONS
No child shall be admitted to an early childhood program or kindergarten in Wynona Public Schools unless such child can present certification from a licensed physician or other authorized individual that such child has received, or is in the process of receiving, immunizations against diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, haemophilus influenza type B (HIB), measles (rubeola), rubella, poliomyelitis, hepatitis A and varicella (chickenpox), or is likely to be immune as a result of the disease.
Students may be exempt from such immunization requirements if a parent objects on the basis of medical, religious or personal reasons. Such parents shall provide a written request for such exemptions, stating the reason such exemption is requested. The written request will be provided to the principal of the respective school.
Students who are not residents and who have been legally transferred to this school district shall have the same benefits and requirements as legal residents of the district.
Reference: 70 O.S. 1210.191-192 (Sections 812-813, School Laws of Oklahoma)
SB 1239, 1998 Legislative Session
SB 1409, 1998 Legislative Session
SB 887, 1998 Legislative Session
Oklahoma State Department of Education, letter, July 6, 1998
Oklahoma State Department of Health, letter, March 26, 1998
Note: Beginning in 1999, the Hepatitis A requirement also applied to 7th and 8th graders, with the requirement moving up one grade for each ensuing year. In 2004, the Hepatitis A requirement shall apply to all students. Small pox has been eliminated from the list of required immunizations.
604
CLASS INTERRUPTIONS
Wynona Board of Education believes strongly that the educational material presented in the classroom is the most important ingredient of a student's school day. It also believes that many education support services that may interrupt a class period could be accomplished better at another time or place.
Wynona Public Schools value the learning experiences that take place in the classroom environment. Frequent interruptions of the learning environment tend to disrupt the continuity of the instructional process and the time lost from class is irretrievable. Therefore, it shall be the policy of the district to limit classroom interruptions as much as possible to those instances when it is necessary to intrude for administrative purposes or to communicate school-related information and approved announcements to the general faculty and student population.
The board supports the concept that all class interruptions should be kept to a minimum. The superintendent and the principals should monitor such interruptions to determine that they are necessary, brief, and infrequent.
Unless approved by the building administrator, students will not be called from class to receive non-emergency messages and notices. School personnel will not accept unapproved deliveries for students at school.
605
HOMEWORK
Wynona Board of Education defines homework as a responsibility that the student undertakes independently, whether at home or outside of class periods in the school. The board further believes that any homework given should be to supplement, complement and reinforce classroom teaching and learning.
The homework assignment should be left to the discretion of the individual teacher. Certain classes will require more frequent homework than others. Students are expected to complete homework assignments.
606
GRADING AND REPORT CARDS
Wynona Board of Education believes that a thorough, well-documented and accurate system of grading will result in more accurate and more equitable grades among students. Relative consistency among the staff in grading practices is desirable.
Parents or guardians will be given progress reports and report cards on a timely schedule, as dictated by school policy. Additional teacher reports are encouraged when the teacher believes such report would be to the benefit of the student.
606..R.1
REGULATION
INSTRUCTIONS FOR GRADING AND REPORT CARDS
Grading
All teachers in grades K through 6 are requested to use the following system of grading.
90 - 100 = A 59 and below = F
80 - 89 = B Satisfactory = S
70 - 79 = C Unsatisfactory = U
60 - 69 = D Incomplete = I
All teachers in grades 7 through 12 are requested to use the following system of grading:
90 - 100 = A 60 – 69 = D
80 - 89 = B 59 and below = F
70 - 79 = C Incomplete = I
Makeup work must be completed by the end of the next grading period or as agreed upon by the student, the teacher and the principal. I’s will not be recorded for a semester unless approved by the principal. All term papers, book reports, class assignments and other graded items must be turned in before credit can be allowed, regardless of the grade. The grade issued at the end of each semester reflects the student’s work for the entire semester. Credit will be awarded to a student who has been in attendance the required days and completed the required work successfully.
If a student does not complete the work necessary to fulfill the requirements of a class by the end of the next grading period, the student will automatically receive an “F” that will be averaged in to determine whether or not she/he will receive credit for the course.
Teacher Grading Systems
All grading systems will be on file in the office of the principal. The grading scale will be written with an explanation of how a student’s grade is figured and will include examples.
Tests
Nine-week tests will be given at the end of the first and third nine-week periods in all classes. All students will be required to take the test unless the student has been granted an exemption.
Test Exemptions Students with perfect or exemplary attendance for a semester are eligible for semester test exemptions. Absences for school sponsored activities, including college day will not be counted in the number of absences. However, all other absences, including suspension days, will count against test exemptions.
Students are exempt from semester exams if they have an average grade of An “A” and three (3) or less excused absences per semester, Students must be enrolled in Wynona Public Schools for the entire semester in order to be eligible for test exemption. Every three excused tardies equal one absence and will count against semester test exemptions. Students must attend school on test days even though they are exempt from taking semester exams. Deficiency Reports
Teachers will prepare a deficiency report for each student who is not performing at an acceptable level or is not performing at a level that he/she is capable of obtaining. These reports will be mailed to parents anytime during a nine-weeks grading period.
The purpose of the deficiency report is to notify parents of a potential problem that exists through each grading period. However, there is no assurance that a problem may not develop if no deficiency report is completed and mailed. It is foreseeable that a student, as a result of doing failing work during the latter part of a grading period may fail. Parents are encouraged to contact the counselor’s office or the student’s teacher for progress reports.
Report Cards As a means of communicating with parents, report cards shall be issued at the end of each nine-week period.
Excess Absences
Students with absences in excess of ten (10) absences per year will be subject to failure of classes. A request to appeal may be filed with the principal and reviewed with the superintendent for final determination.
606..R.2
REGULATION
REQUEST FOR GRADE CHANGE
Wynona Board of Education is legally responsible for ensuring proper assignment and recording of letter grades for course work performed by students. This responsibility is initially delegated to the professional personnel assigned to conduct instructional activities.
A student and/or parents or legal guardian and the administration have the right to request a review and reconsideration of an assigned letter grade. A request for a reconsideration of an assigned grade by a student or parent must be made in writing on forms provided through the building principal.
Upon receipt of a written request for reconsideration of an assigned letter grade, the principal will notify the teacher involved and schedule a hearing to resolve the matter. The teacher shall have the opportunity to be present at all hearings and appeals involving reconsideration of an assigned letter grade.
If a request for reconsideration of an assigned grade is initiated by the school administration, the teacher shall have the opportunity to respond prior to any administrative action.
Following the hearing and/or teacher conference, the building administrator shall render a decision and communicate the decision in writing to the parties involved.
If the teacher involved is unavailable or is no longer an employee of the school district, the principal shall consult the office of the superintendent, and the decision shall be made in the teacher’s absence.
In the event that either party does not accept the decision of the building administrator, he/she may appeal to the superintendent of schools and then to the board of education. The decision of the board of education shall be final.
607
PROMOTION AND RETENTION
The decision of whether to promote a student to the next grade or to retain him or her in the current grade is a decision that Wynona Board of Education considers to be very important. Additionally, whether a student passes or fails an individual class is also important. Therefore, the process to make final determination of such situations shall be as follows:
Students shall be placed at the grade level to which they are best adjusted academically, socially, and emotionally. The educational program shall provide for the continuous progress of students from grade to grade, with students generally spending one school year in each grade. However, retention may be considered in the following situation:
1. The student is in grade K-3, or, on rare occasions, when the student is in grades 4-8.
2. The student is achieving significantly below expected grade-level performance.
3. The student has not been previously retained.
4. The student has missed too many days and has not made significant work to complete the grade level.
When retention is considered for any third-grade student due to a reading deficiency pursuant to the Reading Sufficiency Act (as referenced in HB 2878 of the 1998 Legislative Session and HB 2625 of the 2014 legislative session), the parent or guardian of the student shall be included in the retention consideration. The district will amend according to the current state law.
Third grade students who do not meet the RSA Guidelines will be promoted/retained as written in the state’s current guidelines.
Teachers and administrators are expected to adhere to the district’s retention procedural guidelines when considering retention as an educational recommendation. Procedural guidelines will be reviewed annually to ascertain efficiency and applicability.
Reference: HB 1056, 1995 Session
70 O.S. 24-114.1 (Section 504, School Laws of Oklahoma)
HB 2878, 1198 Legislative Session
607..R.1
REGULATION
RETENTION
Retention considerations should take place in a timely manner. Retention discussions regarding identified special education students will include the special education director.
Step One: As early as possible in the second semester of the school year, the teacher shall confer with the principal and other staff members involved with the student, such as the student’s special teachers and/or counselor. A profile of the student is compiled by these individuals (hereafter referred to as the team). The profile may include the review of the student’s cumulative record, health data, special referrals, testing, work samples, and/or classroom observation/documentation (Form 1, Part A).
Step Two: Following the team’s review, the parent or guardian shall be invited to a meeting with the teachers and/or other appropriate staff members. An explanation to the parent that the child is experiencing difficulty in school and a discussion of how classroom performance relates to the possibility of retention will take place. Intervention strategies will be established at this meeting. In the event that attempts to involve the parent or guardian in the conference are unsuccessful, school personnel will conduct the meeting and inform the parent or guardian of the intervention strategies (Form 2).
Step Three: By the end of the fifth week of the fourth quarter and prior to another meeting with the parents, the school team will review the progress made by the student. The school team will formulate a recommendation regarding retention/promotion (Form 1, Part B).
Step Four: A grade placement conference with the parent or guardian will then take place to review the student’s progress. At this time a final decision regarding retention shall be made. In the event that attempts to involve the parent or guardian in the conference have been unsuccessful, school personnel will conduct the meeting and inform the parent or guardian of the decision.
Step Five: The retention recommendation may be appealed following the district’s appeal process.
607..R.2
REGULATION
RETENTION APPEAL
Whenever a school team (See Regulation 1) recommends that a student be retained at the present grade level, the parent or guardian may appeal the decision to the principal within ten calendar days. The principal will review testimony and documentation and communicate a decision in writing to the parent or guardian within ten calendar days.
The parent or guardian may appeal the principal’s decision to the superintendent within ten calendar days of receipt of the written decision. The superintendent shall review the previous decision and consider new information. The superintendent shall communicate a decision in writing to the parent or guardian within ten calendar days.
The parent or guardian may appeal the superintendent’s decision to the Wynona Board of Education by requesting placement on the agenda of the next regularly scheduled meeting of the board, or a special meeting called for that purpose. The board shall review the previous decisions and consider additional information. The decision of the board shall be final. The parent or guardian may prepare a written statement to be placed in and become a part of the permanent record of the student, stating the reason(s) for disagreeing with the decision of the board.
If the parent or guardian supports retention of the child and the final decision of the school district is to promote, the decision of the board is also final. However, the parent or guardian would have the same appeal rights and procedures as with a retention decision.
Failure in any step of this procedure to appeal to the next level within the specified time limits shall be deemed to be acceptance of the decision at that level. Failure to communicate the decision at any step of this procedure within the specified time limits shall permit the parent or guardian to proceed to the next level. Time limits at any level may be extended by mutual agreement, and such agreement shall be in writing.
608
PROMOTION BASED ON
PROFICIENCY TESTING
Wynona Board of Education approves of promotion based on proficiency. Upon the request of a student, parent, guardian or teacher, a student will be given the opportunity to demonstrate proficiency in one or more areas of the core curriculum.
Wynona Board of Education will comply with all state laws and State Department of Education regulations concerning promotion options based on attainment of desired levels of competencies. In accordance with the State Board of Education’s regulations, the opportunity for proficiency-based promotion will be provided to all students at least two times during the school year. Therefore, based on tests pursuant to Section 1210.508 of state law and State Board of Education regulations, a student may attain high school graduation regardless of course credits earned.
This system awards credit for a student’s knowledge in core curriculum areas, i.e., social studies, language arts, the arts, language, mathematics, and science, through an assessment process. All students K-12 are eligible for proficiency-based promotion if they perform at the 90% level on designated assessments on courses that have not actually been taken. If a student has previously taken a course and did not pass it, he or she may be promoted at the 60% level on a proficiency-based test. Students will be given credit for their knowledge and will be given the opportunity to advance to the next level in the appropriate curriculum area. Students must progress through a curriculum area in a sequential manner.
References: 70 O.S. 11-103.6 (Section 244, School Laws of Oklahoma)
Standards for Accreditation of Oklahoma Schools, State Department of Education, February, 2002, pp. 171-172
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REGULATION
PROFICIENCY-BASED PROMOTION
Upon request of a student, parent or guardian, a student will be given the opportunity to demonstrate proficiency in learner outcomes or competencies. Proficiency will be demonstrated by criterion-referenced test.
High-school students, middle-school students, and even elementary students may demonstrate proficiency in the state competencies for the 9-12 curriculum areas. Proficiency will be entered on the student’s transcript and will count toward meeting graduation requirements. Credits earned in this manner will be transferable among school districts in Oklahoma.
Proficiency in all laboratory sciences will require that students are able to perform relevant laboratory techniques.
The decision to move students to the next level of study in the appropriate curriculum area requires, first, that the student demonstrate proficiency in a set of competencies at the 90% level. In addition, this decision will take into consideration such factors as social, emotional, physical, and mental growth.
According to state law, there will be two testing periods. The first will be during the first week of August. The second will begin on the second Monday in April. At least two weeks before the testing period, school officials must be notified in writing which test or tests a student intends to take.
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CREDIT FOR ADVANCED COURSES Wynona Board of Education believes that an important part of the educational process is the encouragement of students to strive for their intellectual limits.
High School Courses
One method of encouraging students to challenge themselves is to provide qualified students from all grades the option of enrolling in high school courses for credit. This board will provide the opportunity for any student to receive high-school graduation credit for taking high school courses under the following conditions:
1. The course will be a course regularly taught as a high-school course (Example: Algebra I).
2. The course will be taught by a teacher certified to teach the class as a high-school course.
3. The student will successfully complete the course.
Advanced Placement
The advanced placement program allows qualified students to receive dual credit for a specific class. These classes are designed to have the academic rigors of a college class, and the instructors have received specialized training in the areas being taught. The grading scale for these classes will be as follows.
A – 5 points B- 4 points C – 3 points
Students in danger of receiving a grade lower than a “C” will be removed from the class and will receive no credit.
There will be an end of the year exam for each of these classes. Students who wish to receive college credit may take the test. There will be a fee. If the score is high enough, dual credit (high school and college) will be received. Regardless of the score, high school credit will be given.
Concurrent College Enrollment
As an additional opportunity, and in compliance with state law, the board will approve the enrollment of high-school students in college courses. An eleventh-grade student or a twelfth-grade student who has achieved an acceptable score (See Note) on the American College Test (ACT) or the Scholastic Achievement Test (SAT) test may enroll concurrently in high-school and college courses.
Proficiency-based Promotion
This board will provide opportunities for proficiency-based promotion, and will disseminate materials explaining the opportunities available to students and parents each year.
Reference: 70 O.S. 1210.701-702 (Section 919.1 and 919.2, School Laws of Oklahoma)
SB 1392, 2000 Legislative Session
Note: Acceptable ACT or SAT scores for concurrent college enrollment is as follows:
1. Seniors: Comprehensive Universities 75th Percentile
Regional Universities 62nd Percentile
Two-year Colleges 46th Percentile
2. Juniors All Schools 90th Percentile
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HIGH SCHOOL
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
Wynona Public School District requires twenty-three (23) units of regularly organized classroom instruction for high school graduation.
Specific courses allowed to fulfill the requirements for the class of 2010 are named in state law. However, some options may be allowed if they are equal in content and/or rigor to certain other courses specified in state law. Beginning with the class of 2003, the requirements shall include the following:
4 credits: Language Arts
3 credits: Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, A.P. Calculus
3 credits: Biology I, Biology II, Chemistry I, Chemistry II, Zoology/Biology, A.P. Physical Science
3 credits American Government, Psychology, Sociology, Economics, Geography, World History, OK History, US History
2 credits Computer or Foreign Language
2 credits Vocal Music, Band, Speech, Art, Athletics, Foreign Language, Vocational, Journalism, Financial Literacy
All students must fulfill Wynona Board of Education requirements to be eligible for a diploma from Wynona High School. However, students who need no more than one unit to graduate may participate in graduation exercises if proper provisions are made with the high school principal for completion. The student’s diploma will be withheld until this requirement has been fulfilled.
This policy includes the requirements of the Oklahoma State Department of Education for school accreditation. Any variance to these requirements must meet state laws or regulations.
References: HB 1759, Section 1, 1999 Legislative Session
HB 2728, 2000 Legislative Session
Standards of Accreditation of Oklahoma Schools, State Department of Education, 2002, pp. 27-29
A Student may graduate in less than 4 years if they will be at least 19 the year they graduate, at no added cost to the district, or burden to the teachers.
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HONOR GRADUATES AND
ACADEMIC RECOGNITION
Wynona Board of Education understands the importance of recognizing and honoring students who do well academically. To be considered for the distinction of being named the valedictorian, salutatorian or one of the “top 10% students” for the senior class, a student must take the number of unit credits indicated from the following groups of classes. Any advanced placement classes will qualify.
Valedictorian
The graduating student with the highest grade-point average, based on a 4.0 scale, will be named valedictorian. Grade-point averages, using the first seven semesters of high school, will be determined at the end of the first semester of the twelfth grade.
Salutatorian The student who ranks second in the class at the end of the first semester of the twelfth grade will be named salutatorian.
Ties In case of a tie for either valedictorian or salutatorian, all tying students will be named co-valedictorian or co-salutatorian.
State Honor Society
The top 10% of the student body making the highest average during the previous two semesters are nominated to the state honor society. Students must be working at or above the grade level to be considered.
Honor Roll Superintendent’s honor roll will be composed of all full-time students with no grade lower than an “A”. The principal’s honor roll will be composed of all full-time students with no grade lower than a “B” on their report card.
Academic Achievement Certificates
Students may receive certificates of achievement for academic performance at the discretion of their teachers.
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ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION
As evidence of its beliefs that all children can learn and that all students should have an equal opportunity to reach his or her full potential, Wynona Board of Education gives its full support to alternative education programs.
Wynona School District is a member of the alternative education cooperative with other schools in Hominy, OK. The cooperative provides an alternative education program for at-risk or high-challenged students. Alternative Education students will provide their own transportation.
References: State Department of Education materials, 1996.
HB 2692, Section 44, 1996 Legislative Session
HB 2647, Section 11, 1996 Legislative Session
HB 1458, 1997 Legislative Session
HB 1284, 1999 Legislative Session
70 O.S. 1210.563 (Section 911, School Laws of Oklahoma)
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REGULATION
GUIDELINES FOR ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION
The alternative education program of this district shall
1. Allow class sizes and student/teacher ratios which are conducive to effective learning for at-risk students;
2. Incorporate appropriate structure, curriculum, and interaction and reinforcement strategies designed to provide effective instruction;
3. Include an intake and screening process to determine eligibility of students;
4. Demonstrate that teaching faculty are appropriately certified teachers;
5. Demonstrate that teaching faculty have been selected on the basis of a record of successful work with at-risk students or personal and educational factors that qualify them for work with at-risk students;
6. Reflect appropriate collaborative efforts with state agencies and local agencies serving youth.
7. Provide courses that meet the curricula standards adopted by the State Board of Education and remedial courses;
8. Offer individualized instruction;
9. State clear and measurable program goals and objectives;
10. Include counseling and social services components with provision that providers of services are not required to be certified as school counselors;
11. Require a plan leading to graduation be developed for each child in the program;
12. Offer life skills instruction;
13. Provide opportunities for arts education to students, including Artists in Residence programs coordinated through the Oklahoma Arts Council;
14. Provide a proposed annual budget;
15. Include an evaluation component including an annual written self-evaluation;
16. Be appropriately designed to serve middle school, junior high school and secondary school students in grades six through twelve who are most at risk of not completing a high school education.
ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION
Targeted Population
The targeted population for the alternative school is students who have one or more of the following characteristics.
1. Grades that consistently indicate continuous underachievement
2. Students who have been retained for one or more years
3. Students who have been a school dropout or have had excessive absences during the school year
4. Students whose behavior has negative impact on their own or others' learning
5. Students who have been determined to be high risk for school failure by school staff familiar with the student's health, social, or family status, as these influences may be impairing the student's success in school. Influences may include, but are not limited to, evidence of physical abuse, delinquent behavior, attempted suicide, or drug or alcohol abuse.
Alternative Education Goals
1. 90% of the middle school students and high school students will successfully transition back into the school community.
2. All students will participate in counseling and social skill development designed to promote reentry into a standard middle school or high school program. The purpose of this objective will be considered met if 90% of the participants are able to return to a standard school with no major (suspendable) and no more that one minor (defined as not requiring a suspension) behavioral referral in a nine-week period. Behavioral records will be used to measure the success of this objective.
3. All students will complete curricular units at a minimum of 70% accuracy rate. Student grades will be used to measure the success of this objective.
4. All students, upon returning to a standard middle school or high school program will participate in a counseling/mentoring program which will emphasize maintaining a high level of achievement. This objective will be considered met if 90% of the students maintain a C or greater grade average. Student grades will be used to determine the success of this objective.
5. All students upon returning to the standard middle school or high school will participate in a counseling/mentoring program designed to promote a successful social/behavioral reentry into the standard high school or middle school program. 90% of the students participating in this program will be active in one extracurricular activity and maintain a behavior record with no suspendable offenses and no more than one non suspendable offense in a nine weeks period.
Teachers who are chosen for this program will be those who have a record of successful work with students at risk for school failure. Only those with references indicating success with students at risk for school failure will be chosen.
Intake and Screening Process
Students will be referred to the alternative program by the high school principal. Documentation of the student's attendance, behavior, grades, and relevant socio-cultural information will be assembled. Each student and his parents will participate in an interview with an "intake" committee. The committee will determine whether the student should be permitted to attend the alternative program.
Following acceptance into the program the student will meet with the school counselor and develop a written plan leading to graduation. The student will also meet the alternative school lead teacher to complete a behavior and work expectation contract before beginning the alternative school program.
The Alternative School Committee
The committee will consist of the high school principal, one of the student's teachers, high school counselor and an alternative school teacher.
613
ACTIVITIES AND ATTENDANCE
RELATING TO INSTRUCTION
Wynona Board of Education believes that class attendance is a key factor in student achievement and that absences from class represent a loss of educational opportunity. However, the board also believes that the extra-curricular programs of the school district and coordinated field trips that enhance instruction have value as well. Such activities should be encouraged for the development of well-rounded citizens.
The board shall support extra-curricular activities and approved field trips and at the same time direct administrators and teachers to minimize absenteeism from regular classes in providing students with such opportunities.
The board expects to ensure that the educational program will be protected from student activities of questionable educational value. The principal shall determine participation based on the contribution made by the activity to the school's educational goals.
Student and staff involvement shall be maintained in the formation, organization, chartering, regulating and funding of the activities in the program.
613..R.1
REGULATION
ACTIVITIES AND ATTENDANCE
The principal of each school is responsible for clearing all field trips or activity trips before plans are made. Clearance is obtained by the following procedure:
1. A teacher or sponsor first presents a proposal to the principal.
2. All requests should be made at least two weeks before the event.
3. Major field trips and excursions must be approved far enough in advance for proper consideration, approval and preparation.
4. Out-of-state and overnight field trips must be approved by Wynona Board of Education and must be submitted for approval at least one month prior to the planned activity.
5. It is the responsibility of the faculty sponsor to make arrangements for transportation and notify the cafeteria of the class absence.
6. Frequently occurring trips, such as athletic trips or regularly scheduled events, need approval only at the beginning of the year. However, proper preparation should be made for each trip.
7. Field trips are to be limited primarily to those points of educational interests within this area.
8. The activity bus for athletic trips must have a minimum of one faculty sponsor. This sponsor must be obtained and his/her name submitted to the principal or assistant principal by 3:20 p.m. two days before the event occurs. If the necessary sponsor is not obtained by this time, the bus will be cancelled.
9. Teachers are cautioned to inform students that trips are not final until approved by the principal. Active preparation should not begin until this approval is obtained.
Pupils under the supervision of teachers and with proper evidence of parental permission may make reasonable direct community contacts as part of the educational experience. Trips and excursions are to be undertaken only after approval of the principal has been given, proper arrangements with the community agency have been finalized, and arrangements for supervision and transportation of pupils completed.
613..R.2
REGULATION
TEN-DAY ABSENCE RULING
Regulations concerning attendance and activities in Wynona School District are designed to aid students so that maximum learning can occur. Consistent classroom attendance assists students in developing strong work habits, responsibility and self-discipline. The goal of the board of education is to facilitate a balanced education for each student. With this in mind, the following attendance/activities regulations have been established.
1. The principals, as directed by the board and the superintendent, shall annually review the scheduling of activities so that minimal interruptions occur in the instructional program of a student.
2. The maximum number of absences for activities that removes the student from the classroom shall be ten (10) for any one class period in the school year. State and national levels of school-sponsored contests are excluded. The criteria for participating in such contests must be submitted in writing by local school sponsors and approved by the board.
3. The board shall approve an internal Activities Review Committee for the junior high school and the high school at the beginning of the school year. The names of the members of the committee are to be included in the student handbooks that are approved annually by the board.
4. The superintendent or his/her designee shall be responsible for maintaining an addendum to the attendance records that apply to this regulation.
5. If a parent or a student feels that a miscalculation of absences has occurred, a complaint may be registered. To register a complaint, a signed, written complaint shall first be filed with the superintendent. If it is not resolved, the complaint shall be filed with the board for final determination.
614
EVALUATION AND SELECTION
OF MEDIA CENTER MATERIALS
Wynona Board of Education is legally responsible for the selection of instructional materials. Books and other materials for the library media center are selected by the library media specialist with the cooperation of the faculty, administrators, and when appropriate, students and parents.
The professional staff of this school district is concerned with the development of informed and responsible students. To this goal we assert that the media center is:
1. To provide materials that will enrich the student as an individual and support the curriculum, taking into consideration individual needs, and the varied interests, abilities, socioeconomic backgrounds and maturity levels of the students served.
2. To provide materials that will stimulate growth in knowledge and develop literary, cultural and aesthetic appreciation and ethical standards.
3. To provide materials on all sides of issues, beliefs and ideas so that young citizens may develop the habit of critical thinking, reading, listening and viewing. Thus, they are enabled to develop an intellectual integrity in forming judgments.
4. To provide materials that accurately reflect all religious, social, political and ethnic groups, and their contributions to our American heritage as well as knowledge and appreciation of history and culture.
5. To provide a comprehensive collection of instructional materials which, when selected in compliance with basic selection principles, can be defended on the basis of their appropriateness for the users of the media center.
6. To encourage wholesome recreation and constructive use of leisure time.
Reference: Printed materials of American Association of School Librarians
Required by State Department of Education
614..R.1
REGULATION
EVALUATION AND SELECTION
OF LIBRARY/MEDIA MATERIALS
School library materials shall be selected in accordance with the following principles.
1. Instructional materials shall be chosen on the basis of interest and teaching value for students. Material shall not be excluded because of race, nationality, religion or political views of the writer.
2. Where practical, materials shall be selected which present various points of view concerning contemporary problems and issues.
3. Books and other materials shall not be removed or banned solely because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.
4. The following factors shall be considered in the selection of library materials:
a. Selections shall be made for, and in accordance with, the different maturity levels of the students.
b. Materials shall be selected which fill a need related to the curriculum and/or contribute to the development and enrichment of the students.
c. In the selection of library materials, professionally recognized reviewing tools such as standard catalogs shall be used. When possible, audio visual materials shall be previewed before purchase or ordered with return privilege guaranteed.
d. The following specific criteria shall be considered:
* The overall purpose of the material and how well that purpose is accomplished.
* Reputation and significance of the author.
* Timeliness and permanence of the material.
* Importance of the subject matter to the collection.
* Accuracy of the material.
* Reputation and standards of the publisher or producer.
* Readability and reader appeal.
* Quality of writing and illustration.
* Appearance of the title in material selection aids.
* Price.
5. Nonfiction material dealing with subjects of criticism shall receive the same careful consideration as all other materials, including the following:
a. Religion: Factual unbiased materials that represent all major religions may be included in the library collection. Bibles and other sacred writings are acceptable. Publications from religious bodies may be selected it they have general value.
b. Science: Medical and scientific materials shall be made available.
6. Gift books and other materials shall be accepted with the understanding that they must meet the same selection criteria as materials purchased with school funds. Gift books and other materials become the property of the school and may be used or disposed of in any manner Comanche School District deems appropriate.
Evaluation of the Collection
1. Duplication of books and materials will be determined by need. A variety of different titles is preferred to duplicate copies of a single title.
2. "Weeding” is a process of replacing or discarding worn, out-of-date, or no longer useful materials.
3. Inventory shall be taken regularly, at least once each year.
4. Sets of materials and materials acquired by subscription are examined carefully and are purchased only to full a definite need.
References: Guidelines for Reconsideration of Library Materials
Library Bill of Rights
Request for Reconsideration of Educational Material, American Association of School Librarians
614..R.2
REGULATION
LIBRARY/MEDIA CENTER BILL OF RIGHTS
The American Library Association affirms that all libraries are forums for information and ideas, and that the following basic policies should guide their services.
1. Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation.
2. Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues. Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan and doctrinal disapproval.
3. Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their responsibility to provide information and enlightenment.
4. Libraries should cooperate with all persons and groups concerned with resisting abridgement of free expression and free access to ideas.
5. A person’s right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views.
6. Libraries which make exhibit spaces and meeting rooms available to the public they serve should make such facilities available on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use.
614..R.3
REGULATION PROCEDURES FOR HANDLING CHALLENGES
OF INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS
The review of questioned materials will be treated objectively, unemotionally, and as an important routine action. Every effort will be made to consider objections, keeping in mind the best interests of the students, the school, the curriculum, and the community.
A student an/or a parent has the right to reject the use of library resources that seem incompatible with his/her values and beliefs. Classroom assignments involving library resource materials shall provide for alternative choices. However, no parent or student has the right to determine reading matter for other students.
Since differences of opinion do exist in our society, the board will allow the review of allegedly inappropriate materials through an established procedure. The following procedure shall be observed to recognize those differences in an impartial and factual manner.
1. All criticism shall be presented in writing to the building principal, who will forward a copy to the school librarian. The Request for Reconsideration form (approved by the American Library Association) shall be used. This form shall be located at the building principal’s office.
2. The material in question will be withdrawn from circulation until it is read and discussed by a library committee, which will be convened by the principal and the librarian. This committee shall consist of a member of the teaching faculty of the school, a member of the superintendent’s staff, the school principal, the school librarian, and a member of the board of education.
3. The committee will review the questioned material and all critical evaluations available. The committee will consult authoritative list of general acceptance of the material in light of the selection policies of the school district. A thorough review of questioned materials shall be treated objectively. Passages shall not be taken out of context, and material shall be evaluated as an entity.
4. The principal and the librarian and the faculty shall implement the final decision of the committee.
5. The complainant shall be sent a copy of the evaluating report and decision.
6. In the event that the complainant does not accept the decision of the review committee, he/she may appeal to Wynona Board of Education through the principal. The final decision then rests with the board. The complainant will be notified by mail of the board’s decision.
7. Once an item has been challenged, reviewed and justified by the review committee and the board and another challenge is raised against it within a five-year period, the complaint may be dismissed without a hearing.
614..R.4
REGULATION
REQUEST FOR RECONSIDERATION
OF INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS
Wynona Public Schools
Request for Reconsideration of Instructional Materials
Author____________________________ Type of material______________________
Title____________________________________________________________________
Publisher (if known)_______________________________________________________
Request initiated by____________________________ Date____________________
Telephone__________________ Address_____________________________
City/State___________________________________ Zip Code________________
Complainant represents: _________ Self
_________ Other group (identify)__________________
1. To what do you object? Please be specific. Cite pages or item.___________________
________________________________________________________________________
2. What do you feel might be the result of using this material?________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
3. For what age group would you recommend it?________________________________
4. Is there anything good about it?____________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
5. a. Did you read the entire book?___________ What parts?______________________
b. Did you view and/or listen to the entire material?___________________________
If not, what parts did you examine?______________________________________
6. Are you aware of professional evaluations of this material?______________________
________________________________________________________________________
7. What do you believe is its purpose or theme?_________________________________
8. What would you like your school to do about this material?________________________________________________________________
______________Do not assign it to my child
______________Withdraw it from all students as well as from my child
9. What would you recommend to replace it?___________________________________
Date_________________________ Signature of Complainant_____________________
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A. As used in this section:
1. "Library facility" means any:
a. public library; or
b. library of an educational, historical or eleemosynary institution, organization, or society; or
c. museum; or
d. repository of public or institutional records.
2. "Library material" means any book, plate, picture, photograph, engraving, painting, drawing, map, newspaper, magazine, pamphlet, broadside, manuscript, document, letter, record, microform, sound recording, audiovisual materials in any format, magnetic or other tapes, catalog cards or catalog records, electronic data processing records, computer software, artifacts, or other documentary, written or printed materials regardless of physical form or characteristics, belonging or on loan to, or otherwise in the custody of a library facility.
3. "Demand" means either actual notice to the possessor of any library materials or the mailing of written notice to the possessor at the last address of record which the library facility has for said person, demanding the return of designated library materials. If demand is made by mail it shall be deemed to have been given as of the date the notice is mailed by the library facility.
B. Any person shall be guilty, upon conviction, of library theft who willfully:
1. Removes or attempts to remove any library material from the premises of a library facility without authority; or
2. Mutilates, destroys, alters or otherwise damages, in whole or in part, any library materials; or
3. Fails to return any library materials which have been lent to said person by the library facility, within seven (7) days after demand has been made for the return of the library materials.
C. A person convicted of library theft shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be subject to the fine and restitution provisions of this subsection but shall not be subject to imprisonment. The punishment for conviction of library theft shall be:
1. If the aggregate value of the library material is Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) or less, by fine not exceeding One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00), or the offender shall make restitution to the library facility, including payment of all related expenses incurred by the library facility as a result of the actions of the offender, or both such fine and restitution; or
2. If the aggregate value of the library material is greater than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00), by fine not exceeding Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00), or the offender shall make restitution to the library facility, including payment of all expenses incurred by the library facility as a result of the actions of the offender, or both such fine and restitution.
D. Copies of the provisions of this section shall be posted on the premises of each library facility.
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INTERNET USAGE
Internet access is now available to students and teachers in Wynona Public School District. The Internet offers vast, diverse and unique resources to both students and teachers. The goal in providing the service to teachers and students is to promote educational excellence in the Oklahoma Public Schools by facilitating resource sharing, innovation, motivation, collaboration and communication, self-directed learning, personalized instruction and research.
Terms and Conditions
Internet is an electronic highway connecting thousands of computers all over the world and millions of individual subscribers. Students and teachers will have access to the following:
1. Electronic mail communication with people the world over.
2. Information and news.
3. Public domain software and shareware of all types.
4. Topics ranging from diverse cultures, to the environment, to music, to politics.
5. Access to many university catalogs.
Access to the Internet will enable students to explore thousands of libraries, databases and bulletin boards while exchanging messages with Internet users throughout the world. Families should be warned that some material accessible via the Internet may contain items that are illegal, defamatory, inaccurate, or potentially offensive to some people.
Wynona School District and the Oklahoma State Department of Education (SDE) have taken available precautions to restrict access to controversial materials. While our intent is to make Internet access available to further educational goals and objectives, students may find ways to access other materials as well. We believe that the benefits to students from access to the Internet, in the form of information resources and opportunities in collaboration, exceed any disadvantages. Ultimately, parents/guardians of minors are responsible for setting and conveying the standards that their children should follow when using media and information sources. To that end, Wynona Public Schools support and respect each family’s right to decide whether or not to apply for access.
The smooth operation of the network relies upon the proper conduct of the end users who must adhere to strict guidelines. These guidelines are provided so that you are aware of the responsibilities you are about to acquire. In general, this requires efficient, ethical and legal utilization of the network resources. If a district user violates any of these provisions, his or her access will be terminated and future access could be denied. A signature on the Internet User’s Form is legally binding and indicates the party who signed has read the terms and conditions carefully and understands their significance.
Internet Safety Regulations
The District shall endeavor to:
1. Prevent user access over its computer network to, or transmission of, inappropriate material via Internet, electronic mail, or other forms of direct electronic communications;
2. Prevent unauthorized access and other unlawful online activity;
3. Prevent unauthorized online disclosure, use, or dissemination of personal identification information of minors; and
4. Comply with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (Pub. L. No. 106-554 and 47 USC 254(h)).
Definitions
The following key terms are as defined in the Children’s Internet Protection Act:
1. “Technology protection measure” means a specific technology that blocks or filters Internet access to visual depictions that are:
a. “Obscene,” as that term is defined in section 1460 of title 18, U.S.C.;
b. “Child pornography,” as that term is defined in section 2256 of title 18, United States Code; or
c. Harmful to minors.
2. “Harmful to minors'' means any picture, image, graphic image file, or other visual depiction that:
a. Taken as a whole and with respect to minors, appeals to a prurient interest in nudity, sex, or excretion;
b. Depicts, describes, or represents, in a patently offensive way with respect to what is suitable for minors, an actual or simulated sexual act or sexual contact, actual or simulated normal or perverted sexual acts, or a lewd exhibition of the genitals; and
c. Taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value as to minors.
3. “Sexual act'' and “sexual contact'' have the meanings given such terms in section 2246 of title 18, United States Code.
Blocking Access to Inappropriate Material
1. To the extent practical, technology protection measures (or “Internet filters”) shall be used to block or filter Internet, or other forms of electronic communications, access to inappropriate information.
2. Specifically, as required by the Children’s Internet Protection Act, blocking shall be applied to visual depictions of material deemed obscene or child pornography,
or to any material deemed harmful to minors.
3. Subject to staff supervision, technology protection measures may be disabled or, in the case of minors, minimized only for bona fide research or other lawful purposes.
Prohibiting Inappropriate Network Usage
1. To the extent practical, steps shall be taken to promote the safety and security of users of the District’s online computer network when using electronic mail, chat rooms, instant messaging, and other forms of direct electronic communications.
2. Specifically, as required by the Children’s Internet Protection Act, prevention of inappropriate network usage includes:
a. Unauthorized access, including so-called ‘hacking,’ and other unlawful activities; and
b. Unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal identification information regarding minors.
Education, Supervision and Monitoring
1. It shall be the responsibility of all teachers and administrators to educate, supervise and monitor appropriate usage of the online computer network and access to the Internet in accordance with this policy, the Children’s Internet Protection Act, the Neighborhood Children’s Internet Protection Act, and the Protecting Children in the 21st Century Act.
2. Procedures for the disabling or otherwise modifying any technology protection measures shall be the responsibility of the superintendent or designated representatives.
615..R.1
REGULATION
USE OF THE INTERNET
Acceptable Use
The purpose of NSFNET, which is the backbone network to the Internet, is to support research and education in and among academic institutions in the United States by providing access to unique resources and the opportunity for collaborative work. School use must be in support of education and research and consistent with educational objectives. Use of another organization’s network or computing resources must comply with the rules appropriate for that network. Transmission of any material in violation of any U.S. or state regulations is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, copyrighted material, threatening or obscene material, or material protected by trade secret. Use in political lobbying is also prohibited.
Privileges
The use of Internet is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use will result in a cancellation of those privileges. Each student who receives access will participate in a discussion with a Wynona School District faculty member pertaining to proper use of the network. The system administrators and teachers will deem what is appropriate use and their decision is final. The district may deny, revoke, or suspend specific user access.
Etiquette
An Internet user is expected to abide by the generally accepted rules of network etiquette. These include, but are not limited to, the following
a. Be polite. Messages should not be abusive to others.
b. Use appropriate language. Do not swear, use vulgarities, or any other inappropriate language.
c. Do not reveal personal addresses or phone numbers of students or colleagues.
d. Illegal activities are strictly forbidden.
e. Note that electronic mail (E-mail) is not guaranteed to be private. People who operate the system do not have access to all mail. Messages relating to or in support of illegal activities may be reported to the authorities.
f. Do not use the network in such a way to disrupt the use of the network by other users.
g. All communications and information accessible via the network should be assumed to be private property.
Warranties
Wynona School District and the Oklahoma State Department of Education make no warranties of any kind, whether express or implied, for the service it is providing. The Wynona School District and the Oklahoma State Department of Education will not be responsible for any damages suffered. This includes loss of data resulting from delays, non-deliveries, mis-deliveries, or service interruptions caused by negligence, error, or omissions. Use of any information obtained via Wynona School District, or the Oklahoma State Department of Education, is at the user’s own risk. Wynona School District is not responsible for the accuracy or quality of information obtained.
Security
Security on any computer system is a high priority, especially when the system involves many users. If you feel you can identify a security problem on Internet, you must notify a teacher who will in turn notify a system administrator. Do not demonstrate any problems to other users. Do not use another individual’s account without written permission from that individual. Attempts to log in to Internet as a system administrator will result in cancellation of user privileges. Any user identified as a security risk or having a history of problems with other computer systems may be denied access to Internet.
Vandalism
Vandalism will result in cancellation of privileges. Vandalism is defined as any malicious attempt to harm or destroy hardware, data of another user, Internet, or any agencies or networks that are connected to the NSFNET Internet backbone. It also includes the deliberate interference with the operation of the school’s computer system, whether damage originates in the school or in some other location. This includes, but is not limited to, the uploading or creation of computer viruses.
Acceptance of Terms and Conditions
All terms and conditions as stated in this document are applicable to the Wynona School District, the Oklahoma Department of Education, in addition to NSFNET. These terms and conditions reflect the entire agreement of the parties and supersede all prior and oral or written agreements and understandings of the parties. These terms and conditions shall be governed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Oklahoma and the United States of America.
615..R.2
REGULATION
ILLEGAL USE OF E-MAIL MESSAGING
According to Oklahoma law, it shall be unlawful for a person to initiate an electronic mail message that the sender knows, or has reason to know, does any of the following:
a. Misrepresents any information in identifying the point of origin or the transmission path of the electronic mail message
b. Does not contain information identifying the point of origin or the transmission path of the electronic mail message or
c. Contains false, malicious, or misleading information that purposely or negligently injures a person.
It shall also be unlawful for any person to sell, give, or otherwise distribute or possess with the intent to sell, give, or distribute software which is primarily designed as follows:
1. For the purpose of facilitating the falsification of electronic mail transmission information or other routing information
2. Has only limited commercially significant purpose or use other than to facilitate the falsification of e-mail transmission information or other routing information
3. Is marketed by that person or another acting with (and with the person's knowledge) for use in facilitating falsification of e-mail transmission information or other routing information.
615..R.3
INTERNET SAFETY POLICY AND USE AGREEMENT
The following is a contract between the student parent or guardian, and the school system. Please read carefully before signing.
With access to such vast storehouses of information and instant communication with millions of people from all over the world, material will be available that may not be considered to be of educational value by the District or which is inappropriate for distribution to children. The District has taken available precautions, including but not limited to enforcing the use of filters that block access to obscenity, child pornography and other materials harmful to minors. However, on a global network, it is impossible to control all material and an industrious user may obtain access to inappropriate information or material. The District firmly believes that the value of the information and interaction available on the Internet far outweighs the possibility that students and employees may procure material which is not consistent with our educational goals.
It is all staff members’ responsibility to educate students about appropriate online behavior, including interactions with other individuals on social networking sites/chat rooms, and cyber bullying awareness and response. This may be done in a variety of ways, such as once a year short training sessions, one-on-one education with individual students, and/or via educational handouts. It is also the responsibility of all staff members to monitor students’ online activity for appropriate behavior.
As a student I agree to the following terms and conditions:
Ø I will not use the Internet for transmission of any materials in violation any federal or state regulations. Transmission of copyrighted material threatening or obscene materials, materials protected by trade secrets, product advertisement or political lobbying is also prohibited.
Ø I will refrain from using profanity and vulgarities on the Internet. I will not use the Internet for illegal activities.
Ø I will not give my home address, location of my school, phone number or any personal information about myself or any other student or school personnel to anyone via the Internet.
Ø I understand that use of e-mail or any other communications over the Internet are not private; any messages related to or in support of illegal activities may be reported to authorities.
Ø I understand that I am prohibited from conducting any actions that may endanger my safety, or the safety of other students/staff members while using any component of the school’s internet access and/or network (email, chat rooms, etc.).
Ø I will not use the Internet in a way that would disrupt the use of the network by others.
Ø I will respect the trademark and copyrights of materials on the Internet and assume anything accessed via the network is private property.
Ø The school system and service provider are not responsible for any damages or losses resulting from using Internet services or information obtained from the Internet.
Ø If you discover any way to access unauthorized information or defeat any security measures you must inform the lab teacher immediately. You must not share any unauthorized information with any other user.
Ø Vandalism of any kind is prohibited.
Ø These terms and conditions shall be governed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the state and the United States of America.
Ø I understand access to the Internet through Wynona Public School is a privilege. School authorities can deny any student access to the Internet at any time, and their decisions are final.
My instructor/school sponsor has explained the terms and conditions for using the Internet to me and I agree to abide by them
Student's Signature: _______________________________ Date ________________
I have read the above forms and conditions and understand that violation of these can result In the denial of Internet privileges. I also agree not to hold the school, state and local boards of education or the Internet provider responsible for the consequences resulting from the violation of these terms and conditions by the student
Parent/Guardian's Signature: ________________________ Date __________________
616
AIDS EDUCATION
Curriculum
The curriculum of Wynona Public Schools shall include HIV/AIDS prevention education. Wynona Public School District shall use HIV/AIDS curriculum and supplementary teaching materials approved by the Oklahoma State Department of Health and the Oklahoma State Department of Education.
Wynona Public School District’s objectives for all levels of the curriculum include being made aware of (1) the description of the disease, (2) methods of transmission, and prevention of HIV. All course material will satisfy the criteria of the law. Abstinence will be emphasized. All material used and information shared will be grade appropriate. Discretion will be used in determining student grouping.
Grade Levels
Students in grades 5-12 will learn about AIDS, methods of transmission, and prevention, as described in the State Department of Education curriculum guide.
Frequency
The appropriate curriculum shall be taught in grades 5-12 each year. Classes in HIV/AIDS prevention shall be taught at least once from grade five through grade six, at least once from grade seven through grade nine and once from grade ten through grade twelve. Functional knowledge will be presented in a consistent sequential manner for at least, but not limited to, ninety (90) minutes at each level.
Grouping of Students
Students shall be separated by gender for the AIDS prevention instruction at the elementary level. Beginning at the middle-school level and continuing through high school, the curriculum can be explained in either a co-educational setting or by separating the students by gender.
Teachers
The building principal shall assign the school nurse and/or other qualified and interested personnel from the building to teach AIDS prevention education. Adequate training will be provided for teachers.
Teacher and Employee Training
Prior to commencing the instructional program, all teachers of the AIDS curriculum will receive a complete training program which will thoroughly familiarize them with the curriculum and approved instructional materials.
All new employees shall be presented HIV/AIDS prevention education through OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens training. All certified personnel of Wynona School District shall participate on an annual basis in an in-service training program related to AIDS prevention education.
Parent/Guardian Preview of the AIDS Program
Prior to teaching district-mandated HIV/AIDS prevention education, the district will provide an opportunity for the parents and guardians of the students involved to preview the curriculum and materials that will be used for the prevention education. Such presentation will be held at least one month prior to the teaching of the course or unit. It shall be held during the weekend or evening hours.
No student shall be required to participate in HIV/AIDS prevention education if a parent or guardian of the student objects in writing to such participation. In grades 5-12, a written objection from the parent or guardian will be given to the building principal if their child is NOT to attend.
References: H.B. 1476, Section 1, 1987 Legislative Session
617
THE SCHOOL AND RELIGION
It is the responsibility Wynona Public Schools to teach mutual understanding and respect for all individuals and all beliefs. In pursuing this goal, the schools should take cognizance of the fact that holidays are observed differently by different religions and cultural groups. Teachers should likewise respect the fact that some individuals’ beliefs do not include religious observances.
Management of Religious Faith
1. Wynona School District may not inculcate nor inhibit religion.
2. Public schools uphold the First Amendment when they protect the religious liberty rights of students of all faiths or none.
3. Generally, individual students are free to practice and discuss their faith. Only if a student's behavior is disruptive or coercive should it be prohibited.
4. Wynona School District officials may not organize, mandate, nor participate in student religious activities.
5. Wynona School District shall not sponsor religious baccalaureate ceremonies.
Teaching About Religion
1. The Wynona School District's approach to religion is academic, not devotional.
2. The study about religion belongs in the curriculum wherever it naturally arises.
3. Religion may also be studied in special courses, such as "Bible in Literature," and "Religion in America."
4. Religious holidays offer opportunities to teach about religion, which is permissible.
5. Celebrating religious holidays is not permissible.
6. The use of music, art, drama, or literature with religious themes is permissible if it serves a sound educational goal.
Reference: NASSP Curriculum Report, Vol., VIII, June 1979, pp. 2-3, “A Parent’s "Guide to Religion in the Public Schools," The National Congress of Parents and Teachers
617..R.1
REGULATION
GUIDELINES FOR
TEACHING ABOUT RELIGION
Teachers may teach “about” religion and religious freedom when they follow these guidelines.
1. Teachers may recognize the role of religion in our society. They should choose activities that teach about religion and its role in the social and historical development of civilization and do not violate the religious neutrality of public education.
2. The study of religious music, art, literature, etc., as a part of a course of study, is appropriate for public education.
3. Religious objects or symbols may be displayed if they are an integral part of short term studies in the curriculum.
4. Teachers may explain the meanings of religious holidays provided every effort is made to obtain adequate and authentic information on matters pertaining to religion. Teachers should avoid the potential embarrassment of asking students to explain their own religious practices or observances, or to bring religious objects to class as a basis for a discussion of holiday observances.
5. Programs should be encouraged which educate students about the principle of religious liberty as one of the basic freedoms of American democracy.
6. A holiday program and any other school program prepared for and presented during school hours should not be, nor have the effect of, a religious celebration. Individual pieces of religious music, literature, and art may be used for their artistic value.
7. Responsibility for inviting guest speakers, artists, etc. for school programs and assemblies rests with the principal. Guests should be made aware, in advance, of the parameters in which they must operate. Acceptance of an invitation means acceptance of these parameters.
8. A student’s need for absence from school on a religious holiday shall be recognized as far as possible without penalty on scholastic records. So as not to penalize students for their religious observance, the scheduling of examinations, assemblies, field trips, graduation exercises and other special events, including school-related programs for parents, should be avoided as far as possible on religious holidays.
618
GIFTED AND TALENTED PROGRAM
Wynona Board of Education will provide gifted educational programs for all identified gifted children enrolled in the district. The program will include differentiated education with multiple programming options that shall be carefully matched with each student's identified needs and interests.
Wynona School District will provide this program as a means for each student, regardless of abilities, to reach his or her full potential. To meet this goal, the board adopts the following conditions for the program.
Philosophy
“Gifted and talented children” means those children identified at the preschool, elementary and secondary level as having demonstrated potential abilities of high performance capability and needing differentiated or accelerated education or services. For the purposes of this definition, “demonstrated abilities of high performance capability” means those identified students who score in the top three percent (3%) on any national standardized test of intellectual ability. Said definition may also include students who excel in one or more of the following areas.
- Creative thinking ability,
- Leadership ability,
- Visual and performing arts ability, and
- Specific academic ability
Wynona Pubic Schools will respond to individual promise in each of these areas. However, the category of intellectual ability shall be the specific area formally addressed in he gifted program.
Program Goals
1. To identify at every level and in every school those children who are gifted
2. To understand the abilities and needs of each gifted child
3. To provide the educational program which will enable each gifted child to develop his abilities to the fullest potential
4. To prepare mentally gifted minors for responsible and productive adult roles.
5. To develop mentally gifted children into intellectually and creatively capable, productive and compassionate human beings.
Program Objectives
In order to accomplish the program goals, it has been necessary to consider the specific means for developing and implementing a differentiated program. A set of objectives has also been defined and adopted. The program will be expected to:
1. Develop critical, creative and higher-level thinking skills as part of an integrated curriculum
2. Develop research, independent, and self-directed study skills
3. Allow for in-depth learning, within an area of student interest
4. To challenge the student to use his ability more fully through creative and inventive work
5. To provide a time when gifted students can interact with other gifted students; thereby creating a more stimulating environment than can exist in a heterogeneous setting
6. To allow the student to acquire greater expertise in his specific field of interest
Identification A. Screening Wynona School District’s Gifted Program will identify students in the first grade and above for placement on the basis of intellectual ability. The following criteria must be met for placement into the program. 1. Students having a composite score that falls in the 97th percentile or above on a nationally standardized test of achievement.
2. Students who score in the 97th percentile or above in a total given subject area on a nationally standardized test of achievement.
3. Parents, teachers, peers and self may refer students scoring below the 97th percentile. Referrals, student product or performance, checklists, and other information may be a part of this process.
B. Placement
Final placement for grade three and above in the program will be determined by the parents of the child and the Gifted Committee of that student's building.
Placement will be made on the basis of the following criteria
1. Students having a composite score that falls in the 97th percentile or above on a nationally standardized test of achievement.
2. Students who score in the 97th percentile or above in a total given subject area on a nationally standardized test of achievement.
3. Students scoring at or above the 97th percentile on a nationally normed intelligence test selected by Wynona Public Schools will be deemed qualified and placed for a minimum of three years.
C. Multi-criteria
The district recognizes the need to identify intellectually gifted students using more than the criterion of a single group ability test. The multi-criteria is met by the use of the following in the identification process
1. Measures of achievement
2. Measures of performance
3. Referrals--parents, teachers, peers and self
4. Scales, inventories and checklists
5. Autobiographies, work samples, portfolios, auditions
6. Test of intellectual ability
To allow for the unbiased assessment of all cultural and economic backgrounds, a committee decision for placement may be made based on referral, student product or performance, appropriate checklists, and other relevant information.
Specific Areas of Concern and Procedural Safeguards
A. Parental Permission
1. Placement All students who qualify on the initial test must have written parental permission to participate in the gifted program annually.
2. Testing There must be a parent permission form for testing signed by the parent on file before an individual test can be administered.
3. Refusal If the parent refuses placement, there must be a signed refusal of placement on file.
4. A parent has the option to remove a child from the program at any time. The parent will need to sign a refusal of placement form which will be kept on file by the school.
5. The decision to remove a student from the program will be made by the Gifted and Talented Program Committee.
Records Parents have the right to inspect and review their child's education records which shall be maintained confidentially at all stages. Program Description
Gifted and Talented students in the district will be served in the following ways:
Elementary School. Students in grades one through five will be offered a program based on enrichment activities. They can also participate in field trips and the academic team.
Middle School Students in grades six through eight will be offered a program based on enrichment activities. They can also participate in the academic team.
High School. Gifted students in grades nine through twelve are usually enrolled in classes that will stimulate them academically. They are offered a library pass for computer time, college testing practice, independent study, career planning, etc. They can also participate in field trips and the academic team/robotics team.
Program Options
Some possible options for providing differentiated education for gifted students in this district include the following:
1. Ongoing assessment
2. Individualized Education Programs
3. Mentorship
4. Interest groups
5. Cross-grade grouping
6. Enrichment in regular classroom
7. Academic competition
8. Resource classes
9. Proficiency Based Promotion
10. Learning center
11. Guidance and counseling
Additional Evaluation
In the event of parental request for further evaluation:
1. If, after the above listed screening and testing steps are conducted, a parent requests further testing, the student will be referred to the Regional Education Service Center.
2. If, after this time, the parent is still not satisfied with the results, said parent will be responsible for any further testing expenses.
Transfers from Other Districts
Students who transfer from another gifted and talented program will automatically be placed on the gifted and talented screening list, but final placement will be contingent on the Gifted and Talented Program Committee.
Review of Placement
The Gifted and Talented Committee will monitor progress at the end of the school year to ensure the continuing success and well-being of each participating student. Students will be reevaluated annually.
Parent Notification of Identified Child
Written notification will be sent to the parent of each child identified as gifted. A summary of the program options will be included.
Reference: 70 O.S. 1210.301-308 (Sections 904-910, School Laws of Oklahoma)
Standards for Accreditation, State Department of Education, 2002, pp. 163-164
Note: 70 O.S. 1210.307 requires a written policy on gifted-talented education.
619
TITLE I
PARENT-TEACHER RELATIONS
The following policy of Wynona School District concerning teacher and parent involvement in the Title I program has been adopted. The intent of this policy is to strengthen the partnership between the school and parents.
Parent Meetings
There will be a public meeting in late August or early September to provide information in regard to the Title I program. Parents will review the program and make additional comments. This information will include
1. funding
2. the selection process of Title I students
3. instructional objectives
4. curriculum and
5. evaluation.
Title I teachers will be available to present information concerning Title I students' progress at an open house meeting. Student work will be available for parent observation at that time.
Parent-teacher conferences will be held at the end of the first and third nine weeks. Student achievement will be reported each nine-week period.
Title I teachers will confer with other teachers and/or staff in regard to scheduling, instructional objectives, and student progress.
An annual evaluation of the content and effectiveness of the program will be conducted with parental involvement.
Parents or guardians who have a child in the Title I program will sign a copy of the parent compact developed for their child.
620
GUIDANCE AND COUNSELING
SERVICES
Wynona Board of Education is committed to providing balanced and comprehensive personal services for all students, including those unable to gain maximum benefit from usual school curriculum without specialized programs. Each school site shall exhibit understanding of and attention to the physical, mental, and emotional health of all its students, as well as provide the facilities (affording privacy, if at all possible), clerical help, and materials necessary for effective implementation of such services.
Teachers, parents, administrators, and the counseling staff shall all be involved in the assessment and identification of student needs. Each school site shall provide a program of guidance and counseling services, in group or individual settings. The counseling services shall provide a planned program of group guidance activities that enhance student self-esteem and promote the development of student competence in the academic, personal/social, and career/vocational areas. The facilitator of counseling services at each site shall, in cooperation with central office administration, make appropriate student referrals to other specialized persons, clinics, or agencies in the community.
Counseling and guidance services shall be coordinated and shall work cooperatively with other school staff and other educational entities. Each counselor shall follow a planned calendar of activities based on established program goals, and provide direct and indirect services to students, teachers, and/or parents.
621
HEALTH SERVICES
Wynona School District shall have a written description of the comprehensive school health program that shall function as an integral part of the total education program and provide a program of services for all students. School personnel, parents and the community shall be made aware of the provisions of the school health program.
School administrators shall communicate to appropriate school personnel and parents health information pertaining to the learning process or involving the safety of students. School administrators shall act as liaisons between students, school staff, and parents, to promote optimal levels of wellness. Referrals will be made, when necessary, to other health professionals or agencies. Confidentiality shall be promoted and maintained when personal information is shared by students, school personnel, parents, and community agencies.
622
COPYRIGHTS
It is the policy of Wynona School District to conform to existing United States copyright laws and to maintain the highest possible ethical standards in our use of copyrighted materials for instructional purposes.
On January 1, 1978 Public Law 94-553 (referred to as the new copyright law) went into effect. This law sets guidelines regarding the duplication and use of all copyrighted material including software.. It is the intent of Wynona Board of Education to adhere to the provisions of the new copyright law and succeeding amendments as well as the 1980 Patent Law, the 1981 Off-Air Guidelines (developed by the House Ad Hoc Committee on copyright law), and the 1989 Berne Convention. The Berne Convention is an international treaty that provides that works published for the first time on or after March 1, 1989, do not have to carry the notice of copyright to be protected under the provisions of the U. S. Copyright Act. Though there continues to be controversy regarding interpretation of copyright laws, this policy represents a sincere effort to operate legally and to maintain the highest possible ethical standards in our use of copyrighted materials for administrative and instructional purposes. “Copyright protection subsists…in original works of authorship fixed in any tangible medium of expression, now known or later developed, from which they can be perceived, reproduced, or otherwise communicated, either or with the aid of a machine or device. . .” PL94-553, Section 102.
While the district encourages its staff to enrich the learning programs by making proper use of supplementary materials, it is the responsibility of district personnel to abide by the district’s copying procedures and obey the requirements of the law. Under no circumstances shall it be necessary for employees of the district to violate copyright requirements in order to perform their duties properly. Therefore, the board will not be responsible for any violations of the copyright law by its employees.
Administrators have the responsibility of informing the employees whom they supervise that the copyright law, subsequent congressional amendments, and “fair use” determined by case law, should guide employee use of copyrighted material. Employees should also be informed that violation of copyright is a felony and that the law allows a court to hold individuals personally responsible for infringing the law. The board of education does not sanction nor condone illegal duplication in any form and any employee violating the school district’s copyright position does so at his/her own risk and assumes all liability responsibilities.
Administrators with responsibility for equipment such as photocopy machines, audio and videotape recorders, computers, and other technology capable of reproducing copyrighted material should take reasonable steps to insure use within limits prescribed by law. Notices will be placed on or near all equipment capable of making copies.
The superintendent is responsible for developing and implementing a manual of administrative guidelines detailing the specific uses of print and non-print sources. A copy of the manual shall be made available to all school employees. Guidelines will be periodically updated, as information becomes available.
Persons responsible for access to or operation of copy machines should be familiar with permission and restrictions of the law, and should be free to appeal for administrative support in enforcing copyright policy.
The district will maintain records regarding request for permissions, responses to requests for permission, and license agreements.
622..R.1
REGULATION
USE OF COPYRIGHTS
Wynona Public Schools copyright policy and accompanying regulations has been developed to provide the employees of the Wynona Public Schools with an overview of the U. S. Copyright Laws. Since educators deal every day with the communication of ideas, concepts and information contained in works that are copyrighted, it is vital that educators have an understanding of the copyright laws and their interpretations, in particular as they pertain to use in a school setting.
Copyrights are governed by 17 U.S. C. Sec 101 et seq. The copyright law gives no protection to intangibles (such as ideas, processes, systems, principles or discoveries), only the manner in which an intangible is expressed. Authorship and thus copyright protection is therefore afforded to tangible means of expression, such as literary, musical and dramatic works; pantomimes and choreographic works; pictorial, graphic and sculptural works; motion pictures and audiovisual works; and, sound recordings. Authors have the exclusive rights to authorize reproduction of their works; preparation of derivative works; distribution of copies of their works; public performances of their works; and, displays of their works.
The “fair use” provision of the copyright law allows reproduction for purposes of teaching; however, there are four criteria that must be met in determining if the use made of a work is “fair use”
1. “the purpose and character of the use, including whether such use is of a commercial nature or is for nonprofit educational purposes
2. the nature of the copyrighted work
3. the amount and substantiality of the portion used in relation to the copyrighted work as a whole
4. the effect of the use upon the potential market for or value of the copyrighted work.” (Title 17 U.S. Code Section 107)
There is often a misconception among educators that anything may be copied if its purpose is instructional. This is not the case. All four of the above criteria must be met, not just “purpose of use”. With the advent of computers and other types of technology that make it easy to copy, manipulate, change and store information, copyright can become more confusing. A simple rule of thumb to remember is that a work is copyrighted when it becomes fixed in a tangible medium, whether it be a book, magazine article, video, audio cassette tape, e-mail, Internet Web page. In addition, works produced on or after March 1, 1989 do not have to carry a copyright notice (words and/or copyright symbol) or be registered with the U. S. Copyright Office in order to be considered copyright protected.
The copyright policy and regulations of Wynona Public Schools are intended as a guideline for educators of the basics of copyright law. It is not possible to cover every possible scenario in these documents that might arise during the instructional process. Educators are encouraged to stay informed and comply with the law by following these suggestions:
Become familiar with copyright basics by reading and following Wynona Public Schools Copyright Policy and Regulations. An additional source to consult is The Copyright Primer for Libraries and Educators by Janis H. Bruwelheide. Copies are available at the Professional Development Center and each SPS school library.
Consult the U. S. Copyright Office. Online information and services are available on the Internet at http://lcweb.loc.gov/copyright/.
When in doubt, ask permission.
622..R.2
REGULATION
GUIDELINES FOR USE OF COPYRIGHTS
Computer Software /Multimedia Copyright Regulations
Owning a legal copy of a software program is not the same as owning the copyright rights. The “fair use” criteria apply to all types of material, even new technologies. Another way to determine if the copyright laws are being followed when using computer software is to ask three questions: (1) Would I perform this use with print media (i.e., book or article) in this setting? (2) Am I doing something to prevent purchase, lease, and/or licensing? (3) Do I hope I will not get caught? An affirmative answer to any of these questions can mean that the activity is questionable.
Infringements
Examples of infringements, not all inclusive:
Making a personal copy of any district owned software.
Installing illegal copies of software on school equipment.
3. Use of computer software on a network without a network license.
4. One CD-ROM installation on several computers must be licensed for the number of installations.
5. Use of a scanner to scan magazine photographs or copyrighted material without permission from publisher.
6. Development of multimedia programs from copyrighted materials.
7. Converting slides or filmstrips to another medium without permission of copyright holder.
8. Using copyrighted music in performances that is not owned by the individual.
9. Using copyrighted music in a presentation for Staff Development or Educational Conference without permission.
10. Using copies of software on school computers. Teacher must own the original.
11. Accessing an electronic database that charges a fee without permission from technology director or curriculum director.
Music/Theatre Copyright Regulations
Infringements
Examples of infringements, not all inclusive
1. Reproducing copyrighted music recordings from one format to another (record album to tape)
2. Recording plays or music from a television broadcast ( different rules for radio)
3. Copying copyrighted materials for the purpose of performance
4. Using copyrighted recordings as background for entertainment presentations
Non-infringements
Examples of non-infringements, not all inclusive
1. Sheet music or plays may be copied for temporary use, if a purchase order for the original material has been processed, but the material has not been received.
2. Multiple copies of excerpts of works may be made for academic purposes, not
performance, if the excerpt is--
NOT a performable unit (aria, movement, scene)
NOT more than 10% of entire work
NOT more than one copy per student in class
Copyright notice appears on copy
3. One copy of an entire performable unit (aria, movement, scene) may be made for academic purposes (research, preparation to teach a lesson) if--
Work is out of print
Unit is not available except in a larger work
Copyright notice appears on copy
4. A single copy of a sound recording owned by the teacher or the institution may be made for the purpose of constructing aural exercises or tests.
5. Printed copies which have been purchased may be edited or simplified if the fundamental character of the work is not distorted nor the lyrics altered/added.
6. Copyrighted music recordings may be used as background for instruction, but not
as background for entertainment.
Print and Graphics Copyright Regulations
The guidelines for copyright involving printed materials and graphics revolve around three standards: brevity, spontaneity, and cumulative effect. There may be cases in which copying does not fall under the guidelines but may nonetheless be permitted under the criteria of fair use.
Infringements
Examples of infringements, not all inclusive
1. Copying to create or replace anthologies, compilations or collective works
2. Copying consumable works; i.e., workbooks, exercises, standardized tests and test booklets, answer sheets, etc.
3. Copying to substitute for the purchase of books, publishers’ reprints or periodicals
4. Copying the same item from term to term or copying an item once and using it over and over from term to term (school semester or school year)
5. Making multiple copies more than nine times for one course during one term
6. Making copies of more than one short poem, article, story, essay or two excerpts from the same author or to copy more than three items from the same collective work or periodical volume during one class term
7. Putting a copyrighted work into a computer for student use, unless the work is not stored for more than the short time needed to permit the student’s use
8. Reproducing copyrighted comic strip or cartoon characters for use on bulletin boards, hallways, cafeteria walls, school publication or school uniforms/clothing
9. Following directions by a higher authority to copy
10. Charging students beyond the actual cost of photocopying (i.e., charging to make a profit).
Non-infringements
Examples of non-infringements, not all inclusive:
A teacher may make a single copy of the following for research of preparation for teaching
1. A chapter from a book
2. An article from a newspaper or periodical
3. A short story, short essay or short poem
4. A chart, diagram, graph, drawing, cartoon or picture taken from a book, periodical or newspaper
A teacher may make multiple copies (1 per student) of the following for classroom use:
1. A complete poem of less than 250 words
2. An excerpt of not more than 250 words from a longer poem
3. A complete prose work (article, story, essay) if it is less than 2,500 words
4. An excerpt of not more than 500 words from a prose work between 2,500 and 5,000 words *
5. An excerpt of not more than 10% of a prose work between 5,000 and 10,000 words *
6. An excerpt of not more than 1,000 words from a prose work which is greater than 10,000 words *
7. One illustration (chart, diagram, graph, drawing, cartoon, picture) per book or periodical issue
8. Not more than two pages and 10% of the words of “special works”, i.e., children’s picture books
In addition, teachers may
1. Use copyrighted material in opaque projectors for instruction purposes for viewing only.
2. Perform copyrighted dramatic works without permission from copyright owner as part of a teaching activity in a classroom or instructional setting. All other performances (i.e., in front of audiences) require permission.
* Any of the numerical limits may be exceeded in order to complete a line of poetry or a paragraph of prose.
Videotape Copyright Regulations Showing Videos
Rented videos normally have an “FBI Warning” notice of copyright on the runner preceding the show. Basically, this warning states that the video cannot be shown publicly. Although the showing of videos in a school is considered to be a showing in a public place, Congress has granted schools an exemption from the copyright owner’s protected rights.
Non-infringements
The copyright law permits schools to show a video without any prior approval from the copyright owner if the vital
1. is a legally obtained copy
2. is shown by a teacher, student, or guest lecturer
3. is shown in ‘face to face’ instruction
4. is shown as part of teaching activities devoted to instruction
5. is shown in classrooms or similar places in a nonprofit educational institution
6. is shown for free
Guidelines for Videotaping for Educational Uses
Videotaping off the air* is permitted for limited periods of time under the following guidelines:
1. Copies cannot be kept for more than 45 days, unless otherwise stated. After 45 days, the tapes must be destroyed or erased. If a station allows a program to be taped and kept for a longer period of time, the videotape may be used more than once.
2. Tapes can only be used for “relevant teaching activities” during the first 10 days after the tape is made.
a. The tape may only be used once in the classroom by individual teachers and “repeated only once when instructional reinforcement is necessary.”
b. Between the 10th and 45th days, the tapes can only be used for evaluation purposes.
*Off-air stations include ABC, CBS, NBC, and PBS. Other stations received from cable TV are considered pay stations; therefore, copyright law protects them.
Infringements
Videos cannot be shown for entertainment, reward, or recess.
Recommended practices
1. No R-rated videos will be shown in the classroom.
2. Teachers should preview videos before showing them in the classroom to ensure they are appropriate for the curriculum and the age of the students, as well as avoiding any cultural bias or stereotypes.
622..R.3
REGULATION
EQUIPMENT NOTICE AND REQUESTS FOR
USE OF COPYRIGHTS
NOTICES
The following notice, in large type, shall be affixed to all equipment in Wynona Public Schools capable of making reproductions. Such equipment includes but is not limited to photocopiers, computers, scanners, and videocassette recorders.
NOTICE:
THIS DISTRICT COMPLIES WITH
THE COPYRIGHT LAWS OF THE
UNITED STATES WHICH GOVERN
THE MAKING OF COPIES OF
COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL
623
PUBLIC LAW 81-874 INDIAN POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
1. Children living on Indian Land participate in school programs on an equal basis with all other children attending school in Wynona Public Schools. No teacher or program director is to exclude or limit participation in any district activity on the basis of race. Wynona Public Schools will review school data and comments from tribal officials and parents to assess the extent of Indian children's participation in the educational program on an equal basis. An annual statistical study will be conducted to determine the extent Indian children do participate on an equal basis and modifications will be made in the educational programs, as needed, to allow equal participation of all children.
2. Pertinent program policies/plans, applications and evaluations, will be disseminated through one or more of the following ways.
a. Mail notice in advance to tribal leaders and send handouts home to parents of Indian children requesting their participation in meetings regarding education programs assisted with funds provided under Public Law 81-874.
b. Inform the Indian community of events in education programs assisted with funds provided under Public Law 81-874 through student handouts and/or the student newspaper and make greater use of newspapers serving the Wynona Public Schools area.
c. Mail copies of an information summary sheet describing the Public Law 81-874 application and evaluations, program plans, and other information concerning education programs assisted with funds provided under Public Law 81-874 to the tribe and send copies home with children to all parents of Indian children when these items become available; and make available, upon written request to the superintendent, copies of the original documents listed above.
3. By scheduling through the superintendent's office a place on the agenda of any open meeting of the Wynona Public Schools Board of Education, a tribe, or their designee, parent, or group of parents, concerned with the educational opportunity of any student or group of students in Wynona Public Schools may:
a. Present views regarding applications
b. Make recommendations concerning the needs of their children,
c. Provide input into the planning and development of the educational programs of the district.
d. Present views on the education program and its operation.
In addition to the above, Wynona Public Schools will:
a. Provide notice of any annual meetings regarding education programs assisted with funds provided under Public Law 81-874 to the Indian community and to the tribe.
b. Work with tribal leaders to seek input from the Indian parents, tribe and other Indians in the community by using available forms of communication and cooperation to seek and encourage such input.
c. Hold all meetings involving or discussing education programs assisted with funds provided under Public Law 81-874 in the school auditorium or a classroom of sufficient size to accommodate all Indian parents who might wish to attend.
d. Provide ample time for discussion of education programs assisted with funds provided under Public Law 81-874.
e. Invite comments and suggestions from the Indian community with regard to educational programs assisted with funds provided under Public Law 81-874 by holding as many meetings with the tribe and Indian community as are necessary to ensure that the needs of the Indian community are received and considered.
f. LEA officials will review school data and comments from tribal officials and parents to assess the extent of Indian children's participation in the educational program on an equal basis.
g. If necessary, establish a task force to prepare a modified educational program to ensure equal participation in the program by Indian children.
4. At least annually, a public hearing will be held at which parents of children living on Indian Land and/or tribal officials may discuss the current status of school programs, desired directions for future development for Board consideration, and any changes needed in the Indian Policies and Procedures. In addition, Wynona Public Schools will
a. Encourage staff members of the LEA to elicit input regarding the general educational program from Indian parents and tribal leaders, and to submit such suggestions to the administration for consideration and evaluation.
b. Encourage staff members to use their best efforts in establishing a more amicable relationship with tribal leaders and parents of Indian children to elicit voluntary input.
c. Recommendations of the tribe will be considered and written response will be submitted.
d. Establish a task force or ad hoc committee to review the Indian input and opportunity for input and the LEA’s response to the Indian comments recommending changes in the LEA’s policies and procedures and recommend modification of the policies and procedures, if necessary, to respond to the Indian input, the LEA will provide for a board meeting to modify the Indian Policies and Procedures.
The above policies and procedures shall remain in effect until rescinded by the local board of education.
624
INTERNET INSTRUCTION AS AN
ALTERNATIVE TO CLASSROOM INSTRUCTION
Pursuant to state law and State Department of Education regulations, Wynona Board of Education may, at its discretion, offer web-based and/or two way interactive video instruction as a means to expand the district’s course offerings. The board of education shall determine courses and grant credit for internet-based instruction.
Students taking such courses shall be subject to all State Department of Education regulations concerning the courses, including but not limited to the requirement to participate in all assessments required by the Oklahoma School Testing Program. Test results for students enrolled in Internet-based courses shall be disaggregated and reported.
Types of Internet instruction
1. Synchronous instruction occurs when the instructor and student’s primary interactions are in real time and requires real time interaction between student(s) and instructor as the primary format of instruction.
2. Asynchronous instruction is not dependent on instructor and student(s) interaction in real time. It allows the student to engage in learning activities anywhere at anytime.
3. Web-based instruction uses the world wide web as the primary medium of instruction, with a computer serving as the primary tool of instruction.
4. Two-way interactive video instruction provides for real time interaction between student(s) and instructor by means of an electronic medium that provides for both audio (sound) and video (sight) signal. Students and instructor may see and hear each other in an approximation of real time.
Oversight
A certified teacher shall be designated by the principal as the contact person to assist students in enrolling on line. The teachers shall serve as a liaison to the on-line teacher/provider. The number of students each teacher may supervise in compliance with state law shall include web-based students. Such teachers shall be provided in-service training in methodology and technical aspects of distance learning.
The teacher so designated, as the contact person shall monitor student progress, graded assignments and testing of Internet courses. If the final grade is assigned by any teacher other than an employee of the school district, the grade and credit shall be reviewed and accepted or adjusted by a committee of the district contact teacher, the counselor and the principal or designee.
Eligibility for Internet Enrollment
Only regularly enrolled students of this district shall qualify for such course credit, except as stated below. Students enrolling in Internet courses shall be full-time students, unless designated as suspended students or as dropout students. (See note.)
Privacy
Local school board policies addressing student information and privacy as well as FERPA law shall apply to students who take courses on the Internet.
District aggregated data of such courses shall not identify any students by name. All federal and state statutes pertaining to student privacy, copyright, FCC rules and related regulations must be followed at all times.
Parent Involvement
Contract agreements between the school district and parents of students participating in alternative instructional delivery system courses shall be established prior to the beginning of instruction. Parents shall be provided a copy of this policy and any related school board policy before signing the contract. The parent shall agree to accept the terms of this policy and agree to accept the responsibility for course cost and equipment. The parent should also sign that he/she is understands the grading criteria, the need for the student to maintain school attendance, whether Internet based or regular school, and the need for the student to complete the course in a specified length of time. The parent must agree, to the extent he/she is able, to see that the student follows the rules and laws concerning Internet usage and the policies of this school district.
Fees
A schedule of any applicable fees for Internet-based instruction will be available in the office of the Superintendent. It is understood that the District shall not be liable for payment of any fees or charges for any Internet-based course for a student who has not complied with the District’s policies and procedures.
Public Hearing
There will be a public hearing concerning this policy upon discussion, adoption or revision of this policy. At this hearing the board will inform the public of the web-filtering program being utilized by the district.
References: 70 O.S. 1-111 (Section 12, State Laws of Oklahoma
SB 595, 2001 Legislative Session
Oklahoma State Department of Education regulations, July 5, 2001
SB 1408, 2002 Legislative Session
Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA)
Enr. H.B. No. 1343 (2003 Legislative Session)
Note: In order to qualify as a dropout, the student must have been enrolled in a public school in this state during the previous three school years.
Note: Policy required by 70 O.S. 1-111
625
OBSERVANCE OF A
MINUTE OF SILENCE
The Oklahoma Legislature has directed that the Board of Education of each school district shall ensure that the public schools within the district shall observe approximately one minute of silence each day. This policy is adopted to comply with that directive.
The principal of each school building within the school district is hereby directed to designate approximately one minute of instructional time each school day for the observation of a moment of silence. At the beginning of each semester, the principal or his or designee will give teachers direction as to how the moment of silence is to be observed. The moment of silence shall be for the purpose of allowing each student, in the exercise of his or her individual choice, to reflect, meditate, pray, or engage in any other silent activity that does not interfere with, distract, or impede other students in the exercise of their individual choices. The teachers shall neither encourage students to use nor discourage students from using the moment of silence for any particular purpose, such as reflection, meditation, prayer, or other silent activity. All teachers shall be made aware that it the student’s decision as to how to utilize the moment of silence, provided that the student’s choice does not interfere with, distract, or impede other students in the exercise of their individual choices.
STUDENTS
701 Student Residency
701..R.1 Student Residency
702 In-District Transfers
703 Open Transfers
704 Transfers from Nonaccredited Schools
705 Student Attendance
705..R.1 Tardies
705..R.2 Absences
705..R.3 Parent Notification of Truancy
705..R.4 Truancy Referral
706 Withdrawal from School
706..R.1 Withdrawal from School Procedures
707 Transfer of Student Records
708 Family Education Rights and Privacy Act
708..R.1 Location of Education Records
708.1 Notification of Rights Under the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment
709 Student Directory Information 710 Student Activities
710..R.1 Guidelines for Activity Participation
710..R.2 Oklahoma Secondary Schools Activity Association
710..R.3 Student Purchases of Personal Supplies
710.1 Reimbursement of Co-Curricular Activity Meal and Lodging Expenses
711 Reporting Child Abuse and/or Neglect
712 Reporting Students Under the Influence of Intoxicating or Dangerous Substance
713 Gun Free Schools and Dangerous Weapons
713..R.1 Gun-Free Schools and Dangerous Weapons Enforcement
714 Harassment, Intimidation, Bullying and HazingReporting and Investigation of Incidents
715 Student Discipline
715..R.1 Example 1 Student Discipline Activities
715..R.1 Example 1 Discipline Code: Standards of Conduct
715..R.2 Discipline Options and Actions
715..R.3 Corporal Punishment
715..R.4 Dress Code
715..R.5 Classroom Management
716 Search and Seizure
717 Wireless Telecommunication Devices and Nuisance Items
718 Student Suspension
718..R.1 Suspension Activities and Procedures
718..R.2 List of Exceptions to Nonviolent Offenses
718..R.3 Gang Activity
718..R.4 Contract for Out-of-School Suspension
719 Transportation of Students
719..R.1 Student Behavior on School Buses
720 Dispensing Medications
720..R.1 Parental Authorization for Dispensing Non-Prescription Medicine
720..R.2 Parental Authorization for Dispensing Prescription Medicine
720 R.3 Log for Dispensing Medications
720.1 Student Self-Administration of Inhaled Asthma Medication
and Anaphylaxis Medication
720.1..R.1 Parental Authorization for Self-Administration of Inhaled Asthma Medication
720.1..R.2 Parental Authorization for Self-Administration of Anaphylaxis Medication
721 Dealing with Communicable Disease: HIV and Hepatitis B
721..R.1 Providing First Aid and Handling Body Fluids
722 Dealing with Head Lice and Other Contagious Diseases
722..R.1 Head Lice
722..R.2 Head Lice Education and Treatment
722..R.3 Notification to Parents Concerning Head Lice
723 Students with Diabetes
724 Juvenile Sex Offenders
701
STUDENT RESIDENCY
All children between the ages of 5 and 21 by September l and living in Wynona School District or legally transferred into the district shall be entitled to attend Wynona schools free of charge.
Wynona Board of Education provides that the residence of any child for school purposes shall be the legal residence of the parents, guardian, or person having legal custody. Also a person who is a relative within the fourth degree of the child by blood or marriage and who has assumed permanent care and custody of the child and holds legal residence within the district as defined in 70 O.S. 1-113 may provide legal residence if that parent, legal guardian, person, or institution having legal custody contributes in a major degree to the support of such child. Additionally, any child who is self-supporting shall be considered a resident of the school district if the child works and attends school in the school district.
An adult who does not fall within the categories listed above, who holds legal residency in the district and who has assumed permanent care and custody of the child, may file an affidavit with the school district attesting that custody has been assumed. The affidavit must include the reasons for assuming custody. The board shall consider the facts of each case and shall approve residency only if it is demonstrated that the custody arrangement is permanent and that the adult contributes in a major degree to the support of the child.
The provisions of the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children (70 O.S. Section 510.1), with respect to special power of attorney for guardianship and/or noncustodial parents or other persons with whom the child is living, shall govern residency status for children of military personnel.
Students who legally transfer into the school district shall have the same rights and privileges as resident students.
References: Student residency law amended by HB 1557, 1997; SB 1951, 2008
70 O.S. 1-113 (Section 14, School Laws of Oklahoma)
Standards of Accreditation, State Department of Education, 2002, pp. 15-16
Policy required by HB 2317, 1996 Legislative Session
701..R.1
REGULATION
STUDENT RESIDENCY
Proving Residency
The superintendent or designee may require the submission of evidence of residency in order to determine whether the student is eligible to attend the public schools or programs without payment of nonresident tuition. Such evidence may include, but is not necessarily limited to, the following:
1. Proof of payment of local ad valorem taxes
2. Title to residential property in the district, a valid unexpired lease agreement, or receipts for payment of rent on a district residence in which the applicant actually resides
3. Proof of provision of utilities
4. A valid, unexpired motor vehicle operator’s permit or motor vehicle registration
5. Maintenance of voter registration
6. Notarized affidavit verifying residency and that the adult is related to the student within the fourth degree and/or has assumed the permanent care and custody of the student. (The filing of a false affidavit shall be subject to punishment in accordance with state law 70 O.S. 1-114.)
7. For residency of military children, proof of active military status; proof of special power of attorney; and/or proof of residency of noncustodial parent or other person with whom the child is living.
Appeal of Decision
If the superintendent (or designee) denies admittance of a student who claims to be a resident of the district, the parent, guardian, or person having care and custody of the student (hereafter referred to as parent) may request a review of the decision. Such request for review shall be in writing and must be received by the superintendent or designee within three school days of the denial of admittance. The request for review shall include any additional pertinent information that may justify the admittance of the child.
Upon receipt of a written request for review, the superintendent or designee will render a decision and notify the parent of the decision within three school days of the receipt of the request.
If the parent disagrees with the findings, the parent will notify the superintendent or designee within three school days of the receipt of the decision. The superintendent will then submit the findings and all documents reviewed to the board of education.
The board will review the decision and the documents submitted by the superintendent and the student. The board will render a decision at the next regular board meeting. The board’s decision may by appeal only pursuant to procedures utilized by the Oklahoma State Department of Education.
701..R.2
STUDENT RESIDENCY DISPUTE PROCEDURES
The Superintendent of schools or his designee shall serve as the district residency officer.
If a dispute arises regarding a student’s residency, the parent or guardian may request a review of the ruling by the superintendent. Any questions or dispute as to the residency of a student shall be determined by the superintendent pursuant to the following procedures:
1. If the school district initially denies admittance of a student who claims to be a resident of the district, the parent, guardian, or person having care and custody (hereafter parent) of the student shall be informed that a request may be made for review of the decision of the local residency officer.
2. If, during the course of the school year, a dispute arises as to the residence of a student who is enrolled and attending school, the student shall be allowed to continue attending Wynona Public Schools until these dispute procedures have been exhausted.
3. The parent of the student may request a review by notifying the residency officer in writing within three (3) school days from denial of admittance. Upon receipt of a request for review, the residency officer shall allow the parent to provide additional pertinent information in accordance with the district’s criteria and the statutory provisions regarding residency. The information must be submitted with the request for review.
4. Within three (3) school days of the receipt of the request for review, the residency officer must render a decision and notify the parent in writing of the decision and the reasoning therefore.
5. In the event the parent disagrees with the decision, the parent shall notify the residency officer within three (3) school days of receipt of the residency officer’s decision. The residency officer will submit to the board of education his or her findings and all documents submitted on behalf of the district and the student and render a decision at the next board meeting. The board’s decision shall be the final administrative decision.
6. In an effort to place student in school as quickly as possible, timelines shall be followed unless, due to emergency circumstances, both parties agree to an extension of timelines.
Any question as to the place of residency of any child for school purposes shall be decided pursuant to procedures utilized by the State Department of Education.
REFERENCE: 70 O.S. 1-113, 1-114
70 O.S. 18-111
STUDENT RESIDENCY
It is the policy of the Wynona Board of Education that the residence of any child for school purposes shall be the legal residence of the parents, guardian or person having legal custody who holds legal residence within the district as defined in 70 O.S. 1-113 ©. Provided that such parent, legal guardian, person, or institution having legal custody contributes in a major degree to the support of such child. Provided, further, that any child residing in the district who is entirely self-supporting shall be considered a resident of the school district if the child works and attends school in the school district. Questions concerning legal residence of children shall be determined pursuant to procedures utilized by the State Department of Education in accordance with 70 O.S. 1-113.
An adult who does not fall within the categories listed above, who hold legal residence in the district, and who has assumed permanent care and custody of the child must obtain Osage County Court System or other verifiable court documents establishing legal custody. The residency officer shall consider the facts of each case and shall approve residency only if it is demonstrated that the custody arrangement is permanent and the adult contributes in a major degree to the support of the child.
The superintendent or designee may require the submission of evidence of residency in order to determine whether the student is eligible to attend the public schools or programs without payment of nonresident tuition. Such evidence may include, but is not necessarily limited to, the following:
1. Proof of payment of local personal income tax or ad valorem taxes;
2. Title to residential property in the district, or a valid unexpired lease agreement, or receipts for payment of rent on a district residence in which the applicant actually resides;
3. Proof of provisions of utilities;
4. A valid, unexpired motor vehicle operator’s permit or motor vehicle registration:
5. Maintenance of voter registration;
6. Notarized affidavit verifying residency and that the affiant has been granted by a court legal permanent care and custody of the student. (The filing of a false affidavit shall be subject to punishment in accordance with 70 O.S. 1-113 (A)(1).
Homeless Students
In accordance with Federal McKinney Homeless Assistance Act, homeless children shall have access to the same free and appropriate public education as provided to other children. The board shall make reasonable efforts to identify homeless children within the district, encourage their enrollment, and eliminate existing barriers to their education which may exist in district policies or practices. No child or youth shall be discriminated against in this school district because of homelessness.
Children are deemed to be homeless under the following conditions:
1. A child who is lacking a fixed regular and adequate nighttime residence and who has a primary nighttime residence that is a publicly or privately operated shelter designed to provide temporary living accommodations, a temporary residence prior to institutionalization, or a place not designed or ordinarily used as a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings.
2. A child who is placed in a transitional or emergency shelter before placement in a foster home or home for neglected children.
3. A child who is temporarily living in a trailer park or camping area due to lack of adequate living accommodations.
4. A child who is living in doubles-up accommodations due to loss of housing or other similar situation.
5. A child who is placed in a foster home for lack of shelter space.
6. A migratory child who is staying in accommodations not fit for habitation.
7. A child who has run away from home and lives in a runaway shelter; abandoned building, the street, or other inadequate accommodations.
8. A child who is placed in a state institution because s/he has no other place to live.
9. A child who has been abandoned by his/her family and who is staying at the hospital.
10. A child whose parents or guardian will not permit him/her to live at home and who lives on the street, in a shelter, or in other transitional or inadequate accommodations.
11. School aged unwed mothers or expectant mothers who are living in homes for unwed mothers because they have no other available living accommodations.
The district administration shall attempt to remove existing barriers to school attendance by homeless children:
1. Enrollment requirements that may constitute a barrier to the education of the homeless child or youth may be waived at the discretion of the superintendent. If the district is unable to determine the student’s grade level due to missing or incomplete records, the district shall administer tests or utilize other reasonable means to determine the appropriate grade level for the child.
2. Fees and charges that may present a barrier to the enrollment or transfer of a homeless child or youth may be waived at the discretion of the superintendent.
3. Customary transportation policies and regulations may be waived at the discretion of the superintendent.
4. Official school records policies and regulations may be waived at the discretion of the superintendent.
5. The district shall make a reasonable effort to locate immunization records from information available or shall arrange for students to receive immunizations through health agencies and at district expense if no other recourse is available. Immunizations, however, may be waived for homeless youth only in accordance with provisions of board policy on immunizations.
6. Other barriers to school attendance by homeless youth may be waived at the discretion of the superintendent.
The district will provide to each homeless child such school services that are comparable to services offered to other students in the district and that are deemed to be in the child’s best interest. Such services will include:
1. Public preschool programs;
2. Special Education, Title I, and limited English proficiency programs for which they are eligible;
3. Vocational education programs;
4. Gifted and Talented programs;
5. School Meal programs; and
6. Transportation Services.
Residency Officer
The school district designates SUPERINTENDENT as residency officer. The residency officer may be contacted by calling the school district a (918)846-2467 or by writing to the residency officer at the following address, or by personally visiting the residency officer at:
WYNONA PUBLIC SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION BUILDING
3rd and Antwine
PO Box 700
Wynona, OK 74084
If the school district denies admittance of a student who claims to be a resident of the district, the parent, guardian, or person having care and custody of the student may request a review of the residency officer’s decision. Such request for review shall be in writing and must be received by the residency officer within three school days of the denial of admittance. The request for review shall include any additional pertinent information which may justify the admittance of a child to the school district.
Upon receipt of a written request for review, the residency officer will render a decision and notify the parent of the decision within three days of the receipt of the request for review.
If the parent disagrees with the findings of the residency officer, the parent will notify the residency officer within three school days of the receipt of the decision. The residency officer will submit his/her findings and all documents reviewed to the board of education.
The board of education will review the decision and the documents submitted by both the residency officer and the student render a decision at the next board meeting. The board’s decision may be appealed only pursuant to procedures utilized by the State Department of Education.
REFERENCE: 70 O.S. 1-113, 1-114
70 O.S. 18-111
THIS POLICY REQUIRED BY LAW.
702 IN-DISTRICT TRANSFERS
Not Used
Reserved for future in-district transfer if needed.
703
OPEN TRANSFERS
Wynona Board of Education shall accept into the district students who reside in another school district under certain circumstances. In cases in which a transfer is granted, the student may continue to attend this school if the board approves. Further, if the board approves, a brother or sister of that transferred student may also be accepted.
No student may transfer into the district if he or she has transferred before in the same school year. No student may transfer out of the district in the same year that he or she transferred in. However, if a student changes residence to another district, he or she may attend either the new district of residence or the district to which the previous transfer had been made.
Procedure
1. In order for a student to transfer, the parents of the said student must complete an application form specified by the State Board of Education.
2. Applications must be obtained from and filed with the superintendent of the receiving school district no later than April 1 for the next ensuing school year.
3. Receiving school districts must notify the district of residence of each applicant by April 1.
4. The board will approve or deny the application by June 1, and shall notify the student’s parents of the decision.
5. By July 1 the student’s parents are expected to notify the receiving district that the student will be enrolling in the district. The board has the right to reconsider and possibly deny the student’s transfer for that year if the parents fail to meet this requirement.
6. On or before September 1 the superintendent shall file with the State Board of Education and each resident district a statement showing the names of students who are granted transfers to the district.
Factors to be Considered
Students may be denied a transfer for any of the following reasons:
* Non-availability of programs in the receiving district
* Non-availability of staff in the receiving district
* Non-availability of space in the receiving district
* The student's record includes documentation of major discipline problems
* The student's record includes documentation of unsatisfactory attendance
* The student has had numerous school district transfers
The district will consider a class, program, or building non-available due to space if such class, program, or building is at 85% of capacity. This practice will allow space for students moving into the district.
The Board may deny an emergency transfer with no reason given.
Factors Not to be Considered
When transfer students are accepted, they will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis. Transfer decisions must NOT be made on the basis of any of the following factors:
* Ethnicity
* National origin
* Gender
* Income
* Disabling condition
* English proficiency
* Measure of achievement
* Aptitude
* Athletic ability
Transfers approved before January 1, 2000, shall continue to be valid and not subject to other provisions of this policy unless the parent chooses otherwise. The Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association shall determine student eligibility for participation in extra-mural competition.
Nothing in this policy shall prevent emergency transfers.
Transfer Students
Students who transfer into our district should know that policy states that the district shall have the right to cancel a transfer at anytime due to disruptive behavior, disrespect for authority, poor attendance, or other reason that may be detrimental to the learning environment of students. A transfer will only be accepted if it will not cause extra financial burden to the district.
References: HB 1759 (Sections 20-29), 1999 Legislative Session
HB 2728, 2000 Legislative Session
HB 1767, 2003 Legislative Session
Wynona Public School does not grant emergency transfers to students wanting to transfer out of the district.
704
TRANSFERS FROM
NONACCREDITED SCHOOLS
Students transferring into Wynona School District from a school not accredited by the Oklahoma State Department of Education, or enrolling in the school district immediately after being a home-schooled student, shall be required to take comprehensive written examinations in the subjects studied or grades attended in the non-accredited school. Results of the examinations will be utilized in determining the academic units or grade levels for which a student is to receive credit. In order for a student to enroll in courses that have prerequisites, the student must have passed the proficiency exam for that prerequisite. Proficiency must be demonstrated by exam on all courses required for graduation from Wynona High School.
Exams will be given only for courses offered at Wynona High School and Wynona Junior High School. Wynona Public School District shall administer all examinations. Copies of the exams and the results thereof shall be placed in the student’s file.
705
STUDENT ATTENDANCE
Wynona Board of Education believes that no single factor does more to aid a student's successful progress in school than regular attendance. The board, also, values learning experiences that take place in the classroom environment and considers them to be meaningful and essential parts of its educational system. In order for students to realize their fullest potential from educational efforts, they should have regular attendance in their classes. Absences tend to disrupt the continuity of the instructional process, and the time lost from the class is irretrievable, particularly in terms of opportunity for interaction and exchange of ideas among students and teachers. Therefore, classroom attendance is considered to be an integral part of the student’s course of study.
Pursuant to state statutes and in an effort to provide all students with continuity of instructional experience and expertise, the board requires all students to attend school regularly. The principal has the authority to excuse students for absences due to illness or an emergency at the request of the parent or guardian. A student who is excused must, however, still fulfill the school’s requirements for advancement. All teachers will be responsible for entering student absences each day. Teachers are required to take daily attendance.
Junior High and High School students shall be counted each period of the day. If a student misses more than 15 minutes in one period, he/she shall be counted absent for that period.
Elementary students shall be counted daily. If a student is absent more than 50 minutes in the morning or 65 minutes in the afternoon, he/she shall be counted absent for that half of the day.
Dismissal During the School Day
No staff member may excuse any student from school prior to the end of the school day, or into any person’s custody, without the direct prior approval and knowledge of the building principal or his designee.
The building principal should not excuse a student before the end of the school day without a request for early dismissal by the student’s parents. Telephone requests for early dismissal of a student may be honored only if the caller can be positively identified as the student’s parent or guardian.
No student will be excused from the campus without first checking out through the administration office. School personnel should refrain from sending students on errands away from the campus during the regular school day.
705..R.1 REGULATION
TARDIES
General
Promptness to every class is very important. Students are to in their assigned chair and ready to work when the tardy bell rings. If a faculty member detains a student, that faculty member should write an explanation to the teacher of the class to which the student will be tardy. All other students who are tardy will be recorded as such.
If a student has something that needs to be taken care of between classes, it is the student’s responsibility to inform his/her teacher for the upcoming class what the student will be doing and get the teacher’s permission to possibly be late to class.
Consequences of Tardies The policy for time out of class will apply any time a student arrives after the bell has rung or leaves before the class period is complete. Students are expected to be in their seats and ready to begin class when the bell rings. Anyone entering the class after the bell rings will be tardy. Students entering the class 15 or more minutes late will be counted absent for that class and will need to bring an admit from the principal. 3 tardies will equal one absence.
No penalty will be assessed against a student’s record if the bus is tardy in arriving at school or it does not make the regular run for the day. The student will be required to make up work missed but will receive full credit for it. If a student fails to catch the bus or does not ride the bus when it makes its regular trip, the principal will determine if the student receives an excused or unexcused tardy or absence. Parents are encouraged to have their children to school on time. Excessive tardiness will be reported to the juvenile authorities.
Excused Tardies
A student will be excused with no penalty with a note from either staff or office personnel. Activity tardies and absences will not count against semester test exemption.
The school officials will determine emergency weather conditions.
Admits Students must secure an admit form the administration office to re-enter class after being absent. Any person who must obtain an admit slip after class begins will be charged with a tardy. The teacher's record book is official on class absences and tardies. Detention hall may be assigned to students who are tardy to class.
705..R.2
REGULATION
ABSENCES
Oklahoma State Law
It shall be unlawful for a parent, guardian, custodian or other persons having control of a child who is over the age of five (5) years, unless such child has been screened as provided for in Section 1210.282 of this title and such child is determined not be ready for kindergarten, and under the age of eighteen (18) years and who has not finished four years of high school work, to neglect or refuse to cause or compel such child to attend and comply with the rules of some public, private or other school, unless other means of education are provided for the full term the schools of the district are in session. The county district attorney will be notified in case of chronic absence.
Classification of Absences 1. Excused with Knowledge Absence An excused absence occurs when the student is absent with knowledge and approval of the guardian and school. The guardian must notify the school of the student’s absence. Guardians are asked to call the school early the day the student is absent. Failure to do this could result in an unexcused absence and/or admittance problems to class for the student when he/she returns to school. Students will be responsible for making up all work missed. These days will count against semester test exemptions.
2. Planned Absence If an absence is planned in advance, the guardian is asked to call the school no later than three (3) days prior to the planned absence. The student should contact the office for a Planned Absence Form, then he/she is responsible for contacting the teachers to arrange his/her make-up work. The form should be returned to the office before the absence. These days will count against semester test exemptions.
3. Truant/Unexcused Absence Any student who is absent from school without the knowledge and approval of the guardian and school officials will be considered truant. The student will be allowed to make up all work missed but no credit will be given. These days will count against semester exemptions.
4. Activity Absence The student is absent for a school-sponsored activity with the consent of the parent, the sponsor of the activity and the principal, provided school work has been made up and the student meets eligibility requirements. This absence does not count against test exemptions.
5. Suspension Absence Absences due to disciplinary suspension will count against the semester test exemptions.
Reporting Reasons for Absence
1. Parent Responsibility
a. When possible, the parent should telephone or make personal contact with the office prior to the absence.
b. When an absence is detected for which contact has not been made, the office will often attempt to telephone the parent.
c. If prior contact has not been made, the parent should telephone the principal's office before class begins on the day the student returns to school.
d. If no telephone contact is possible, a note signed by the parent stating the exact reason for the absence and the time missed will be accepted.
2. Student Responsibility
a. Students who become ill during school hours must check out through the office before leaving the campus. Students leaving school without permission will be considered truant.
b. If a student has received office permission to be off campus and cannot return to the school because of sudden illness, he should have his parent telephone the school to explain why he will not attend his next class. If it is not possible for an adult to telephone, the student should contact the office before the beginning of his next class. Parental confirmation should follow as soon as possible.
c. The student must obtain a class admission slip from the office prior to meeting any class missed. The admission slip may be obtained from the principal's office before school, during lunch break, between classes or after school.
Excessive Absences
A student who exceeds ten (10) absences during a semester in any class may not receive credit for that class pending appeal. Exceptions would be for documented medical problems or situations where the parent has been in contact with the principal and proper arrangements have been made.
Right to Appeal
If a student accumulates absences in excess of ten per semester and believes special circumstances exist which should be considered, he or his parent may request a hearing for consideration of the granting of credit. Such a request must be made in writing and presented to the building principal. An attendance review committee will meet to learn about extenuating circumstances and to review documentation.
Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association
A student who has not attended classes ninety percent (90%) of the current semester is not eligible to compete in any intermural competition governed by the association, e.g. athletics, band, FFA, or FHA. Exceptions may be made by the principal for illness, injury, death in the immediate family, or valid reasons for late enrollment with the beginning of attendance.
The Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association and the Wynona Board of Education guide Comanche Public Schools' extracurricular activities attendance rules. Therefore, any student participating in a school activity on a school day must attend at least half a day in order to participate in the school activity.
The maximum number of absences for activities whether sponsored by the school or outside agency/organization which removes students from the classroom shall be ten (10) for any one class period each school year. Excluded from this number are state and national levels of school-sponsored contests. State and national contests are those for which a student must earn the right to compete.
In keeping with State Department of Education guidelines, school-sponsored activities shall not be counted in the ten (10) day limitation.
Home Bound Program
Students with extended illness, injury, or other justifiable reason causing excessive absence must make arrangements with the building principal for the homebound program or other reasonable measures. Such programs require recommendation by a physician. A student accepted to the home bound program will be counted present.
705..R.3
REGULATION
PARENT NOTIFICATION OF TRUANCY
Wynona Public Schools
Parent Notification of Truancy
Date: _________________________
Mr. and Mrs. ____________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
RE: School Attendance Law
Student's Name ___________________________________ Grade _____________
School ______________________________________________________________
Dear Mr. and Mrs.
This letter is to inform you that your child has not been in compliance with Oklahoma Compulsory School Attendance Law. Please be aware that the court has the authority to charge parents with a misdemeanor, which could result in a heavy fine for you as a parent.
As noted below, this information has been referred to the Osage County District Attorney's office. Hopefully, with your assistance and through alternative measures which utilize community resources, the services of school counselors and administrators, this problem may be resolved. I look forward to hearing from you and developing a cooperative resolution to this very important problem.
Sincerely,
Superintendent
Cc: Court Related and Community Services
District Attorney
School Counselor
705.R.4
REGULATION
TRUANCY REFERRAL
Wynona Public Schools
Truancy Referral
Date: ___________________________ From: __________________________School
To: (1) County CRCS (2) District Attorney (3) School Counselor
From: Attendance Officer: _____________________________, Wynona Public Schools
Juvenile Referred
Legal Name: ___________________________________ DOB: __________________
Age: _____ Grade: ______ Race: _____________ Phone: ____________________
Address: _______________________________________________________________
Custodial Parent/Legal Guardian
Father's Name: ____________________________ Home Phone: __________________
Address: _____________________________Work Phone ___________________
Mother's Name ____________________________ Home Phone __________________
Address: ____________________________ Work Phone __________________
Legal Guardian _____________________________ Home Phone _________________
Address _____________________________ Work Phone _________________
Truancy Documentation/Action Taken
Dates Absent: ___________________________________________________________
Actions taken (including dates)
_______________________________________________________________________
Review Completed
Yes No
For Learning Disabilities __________ __________
For Mental Retardation __________ __________
For Hearing/Visual Impairment __________ __________
Other __________ __________
Witnesses
_______________________ _______________________ ________________________
706
WITHDRAWAL FROM SCHOOL
Wynona Board of Education directs the administration to maintain an accurate enrollment record for each student. Any student enrolled in this district who decides to withdraw from school should follow withdrawal procedures developed by the superintendent. Students withdrawing from school are required to have a student withdrawal form completed before withdrawal is approved.
Any student who has ten (10) consecutive days of unexcused absence shall no longer be considered a student in this district and will be dropped from the membership rolls of the school and reported to the State Department of Education.
Reference: HB 2055, 1996 Legislative Session
70 O.S. 18-107 (Section 387, School Laws of Oklahoma)
70 O.S. 10-105 (Section 229, School Laws of Oklahoma)
Standards of Accreditation, Oklahoma State Department of Education,
2002, pp 11-15
706..R.1
REGULATION
WITHDRAWAL FROM SCHOOL
PROCEDURES
When students withdraw from Wynona Public Schools, they should follow this procedure:
1. Notify instructors 24 hours in advance so grades may be compiled.
2. On the morning of the last day of attendance, obtain a withdrawal slip from the office.
3. Return all textbooks and library books.
4. Complete any other requirements set forth by the school and have the withdrawal slip signed by the instructors and the librarian.
5. Return the withdrawal slip to the office for signature. A copy of this form is kept in the office and the original is given to the student to take to the new school.
6. The student will be reimbursed any money belonging to him or her for such items as deposits or lunch fees.
7. Students who withdraw from school and do not enroll in another school are considered "dropouts." The district shall update the State Department of Education each month with the name of any student known to drop out.
707
TRANSFER OF STUDENT RECORDS
Filing Student Records
Student records shall be current. They shall be filed in the office of the appropriate principal or the office of the superintendent. The permanent record shall include standardized test results, activities, attendance and citizenship.
Transferring Student Records
Wynona Board of Education expects administration to be prompt in furnishing transcripts and immunization records of students when requested to do so by school officials from another district.
When a school district in which a student is enrolled or is in the process of enrolling requests records of that student, this district shall, in compliance with state law, forward the records within three business days of receipt of the request. The records shall include a copy of the student’s discipline records. Disciplinary records shall include all information that relates to a transferring student, including assaulting, carrying weapons, possessing illegal drugs or alcohol, and any incident that poses a potentially dangerous threat to students or school personnel. Full disclosure of the student’s records is expected.
The district shall not withhold student records based on a student’s failure to return items other than textbooks to the district or for outstanding debts to the district. However, in accordance with Oklahoma State Department of Education regulations, Wynona Board of Education reserves the right to withhold records of a student who fails to return or pay for a textbook. The board may waive this rule if it clear such requirement would create a financial hardship on the student’s family.
Duplicate copies of student records shall be separate from the building where the original records are filed or shall be filed in a fireproof vault or fireproof filing cabinet.
References: Standards for Accreditation, Oklahoma State Department of Education,
February, 2002, pp. 10 and 88
HB 2130, 1997 Legislative Session
SB 65, 1999 Legislative Session
SB 1533, 2000 Legislative Session
708
FAMILY EDUCATION RIGHTS
AND PRIVACY ACT
In the course of child’s education, Wynona School District will keep records as deemed necessary to provide programs to meet his/her educational needs. Students and their parents will have access to the student's school records and will be notified of the following procedures:
1. The type of records kept
2. The procedure for inspecting and copying these records
3. The right of interpretation
4. The right to challenge data or to provide a rebuttal to the data
5. The right to lodge a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education if the law is not adequately implemented
Educational records that are kept by the district shall include all materials directly related to a student. They shall not include records and notes of a teacher, administrator, school nurse or therapist for his or her own use.
The board will require a prior written consent from the parent before providing student information to third parties. Exceptions are allowed for district employees who have reasons for reviewing the records and for school officials where the student seeks to enroll. Disclosure of the information contained in a student’s educational records will not be made except
1. by prior written consent of the student’s parent or the eligible student
2. as directory information
3. under certain limited circumstances, as permitted by FERPA.
When district officials transfer records, they will notify parents of the transfer and of their rights to review and contest. Although an exemption exists for material under court order, parents will be notified of such order.
If a student or parent has any concern regarding accuracy or appropriateness of any information or record maintained by the school, the principal should be contacted with that concern. It is the right of a student’s parents or an eligible student to seek to correct parts of the student’s education record that he/she believes to be inaccurate, misleading or in violation of the student’s rights. This right includes the right to a hearing to present evidence that the record should be changed.
Additional information about the Family Privacy Act may be obtained from:
Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
600 Independence Ave. SW
Washington, D.C. 20202-4605
708..R.1
LOCATION OF EDUCATION RECORDS
Student records of Wynona Public Schools will be kept in the following locations.
Type of Record Location Cumulative School Records Principal’s Office and Current Students Superintendent’s Office
Cumulative School Records Boxed in Storage
Former Students
Health Records Principal’s Office
Speech Therapy Records Principal’s
Psychological Records Office
School Transportation Records Administration’s Office
Special Test Records Administration’s Office
Occasional Records Administration’s Office
Student Records
Not Identified Above
709
STUDENT DIRECTORY
INFORMATION
Wynona School District will maintain and release "directory information" as established by government regulations. Directory information will be maintained by the school to announce student recipients of awards, announce student achievement, announce students participating in activity programs, and announce class members." Directory information" is defined as these:
Ø student's name
Ø address, telephone
Ø date and place of birth
Ø major field of study and grade level classification
Ø student's participation in officially recognized activities and sports
Ø weight and height of members of athletic teams
Ø dates of attendance, dates of enrollment, withdrawal and/or re-entry
Ø diplomas, certificates, awards and honors received
Ø parent or lawful custodian’s name, address and telephone listing
Ø most recent previous educational agency or institution attended by the student
Parents/legal guardians have the right to withhold directory information regarding their child attending this school. Those parents/legal guardians exercising their right to withhold directory information must notify the school in writing of their intent. Forms are available through the school’s administrative office. Failure on the part of the parent/legal guardian to notify the school district of their intent to withhold directory information will be considered as consent for the school district to make directory information available regarding their child. The school district will release no information of a confidential or negative nature to the public.
710
STUDENT ACTIVITIES
Wynona Board of Education believes that student activities are important to the full educational growth of its students. School administrators shall strive to achieve equitable participation opportunities and positive recognition to students, while working to enhance the achievement of desired educational goals. To meet this end, the board supports local, regional and state activities.
This school district shall be a member of the Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association. Rules and regulations of the association will be strictly adhered to by all concerned in activities sponsored by the Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association.
Every student who competes in athletics must have written permission of his parents and must pass a physical examination. All students who represent the school in academic, athletic or music competition must be passing all subjects.
Any activity to be scheduled on the school calendar should be scheduled by the sponsor through the principal one month before the event.
Students must be in attendance 90% of the time. Those who have failed one class during the week shall be placed on scholastic probation for the following week. If the student fails a class during the probation week, that student shall not be allowed to participate in any extra-curricular activities during the following week or any week thereafter until the grades are satisfactory. Each Friday morning, teachers shall report to their principal a list of all students who are failing their classes. The principal shall publish a failing list each week.
Activities that Require Eligibility
Football 4-H Events
Basketball FHA Activities
Track Career Tech Competions
FFA Events Academic Competition
Band Contests School Musicals and Plays
Vocal Music Contests (Must be eligible to try out)
VICA TSA
Basketball Clinics Science Club
Speech/Debate Contest Junior Activities
Cheerleading (During School Hours)
Student Council Senior Activities
(During School Hours)
Activities that Do Not Require Eligibility
FFA Labor Auction Field Trips (Hourly)
FFA Banquet (Attendance) Senior Activities
Assemblies Junior Activities
Senior Career Day Junior-Senior Prom
Christmas Programs Junior-Senior Banquet
Pep Rally Sophomore Trip to Vo-Tech
Class Meeting SADD Meeting
710.1
Co-curricular Meal and Lodging Expenses
The Board of Education may elect to reimburse part of all of the cost of the necessary meal and lodging expenses of school district students and sponsors involved in authorized school-sponsored co-curricular activities. Any such reimbursement shall be made at the sole discretion of the Board.
The Board must approve the function and the cost to be reimbursed prior to the activity. Application for reimbursement approval shall be in writing, containing an explanation of the event, date(s), time(s) and place(s) of the event and names of all sponsors and students involved in the event. A cost estimate shall also be included with the application.
If reimbursement of meal and lodging expenses for any co-curricular activity have been approved, a final accounting of actual expenses incurred shall be made to the Board of Education not later than one week after the activity has ended. Copies of all receipts shall be included with the accounting in order for it to be considered. Under no circumstances will the board reimburse any meals or lodging expenses without proper receipt documentation. The Board, upon receipt of required documentation, shall reimburse either the actual amount incurred, or the amount approved prior to the activity, whichever is less.
If the Board elects to reimburse part or all of the cost of the necessary meal and lodging expenses of an authorized school-sponsored co-curricular activity, such reimbursement shall be made from the General Fund, unless the Board specifies otherwise.
710..R.1
REGULATION GUIDELINES FOR ACTIVITY PARTICIPATION Guidelines and Factors to Consider in Listing a Student as Academically on Probation or Ineligible to Participate in Any Extracurricular Activity
The following list of guidelines and factors is included on the form that teachers fill out on a weekly basis to establish the list of students on probation and those who are ineligible. Eligibility does not begin, on a weekly basis, until the third (3rd) week of each semester. This gives every student the opportunity to establish a solid foundation for good grades for the semester.
This sheet MUST be turned in by 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, to be included on the list for the next week. This list is sent to the principal’s office. Eligibility runs from Monday through Sunday. By turning in eligibility by Thursday, all questions and discrepancies can be addressed before a list is finalized
The grade used in determining eligibility is the student’s current cumulative average for the current grading period. Do not use the student’s grade based only on work for the current week, instead, for all work for the current semester.
If a student does not have all grades given in your class because of an excused absence, DO NOT average a “0” in the place of that grade if the time allowed for turning in the work has not elapsed. (As a general rule, a student is allowed one make-up day for each excused absence from class. However, if a student is going to be out of class for a school activity, he/she is responsible for making arrangements to take care of all classroom assignments before the school-related absence).
In each class, each week, an effort should be made to allow students the opportunity to score approximately the same number of points as were available the preceding week. (It is not fair for a student to have a failing average for several weeks based on one major grade and no opportunity to improve because assignments and/or tests or equal importance is not given).
Student averages are not a secret. Before turning in a student as ineligible, he/she should be told that he/she is failing in your class and told his/her average. The student should have the opportunity to average his/her grades if he/she believes that a mistake has been made. If a mistake was made, please have the courtesy to correct it.
An average of 60 and above is passing.
710..R.2
OKLAHOMA SECONDARY SCHOOLS
ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION
Extra-curricular activities and off-campus events sponsored by Wynona Public Schools are desirable and are to be encouraged. These activities, an extension of the academic life of a student, provide another means of achieving the goals of the school. The Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association and the Wynona Board of Education guide Wynona Public Schools' extracurricular activities. Therefore, any student participating in a school activity must follow the rules of Wynona Public Schools and OSSAA. Attendance A student who has not attended classes ninety percent (90%) of the current semester is not eligible to compete in any intermural competition governed by the association, e.g. athletics, band, FFA, or FHA. The principal may make exceptions for illness, injury, death in the immediate family, or valid reasons for late enrollment with the beginning of attendance.
The maximum number of absences for activities whether sponsored by the school or outside agency/organization which removes students from the classroom shall be ten (10) for any one class period each school year. Excluded from this number are state and national levels of school-sponsored contests. State and national contests are those for which a student must earn the right to compete.
A student is permitted, by Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association (OSSAA) rules, a maximum of ten (10) absences per class hour per school year for any and all extra-curricular activities In keeping with State Department of Education guidelines, school-sponsored activities shall not be counted in the ten (10) day limitation.
Any student participating in a school activity on a school day must attend at least half a day in order to participate in the school activity. If a student, because of involvement in multiple activities, goes over ten absences during the school year, he/she may present a request for additional activity days to his/her building principal. The building principal may present a request for additional activity days to the Board of Education. This request will be presented if the student is in good academic standing and if the student, with the exception of activity absences, demonstrates good attendance habits. Other factors may be considered in this recommendation.
If the student is not granted additional days for absences, any day missed will be counted as an absence from class and will be dealt with in the manner described under the section of this handbook entitled “Attendance Policy.”
Eligibility
In order for a student to participate in any activity, including field trips, college visits, and competitive events against other schools, he/she must be academically eligible. Eligibility is based on academic performance in all classes. If a student is listed as failing any single class or two separate classes for two consecutive weeks he/she is ineligible until such time that he/she has passing grades in all classes. (i.e. if a student is failing a class of Algebra I this week and next week he/she is ineligible to participate when the eligibility for a second week is in effect).
A student during the course of the semester is checked for eligibility from week to week. However, at the end of a semester, a student may become ineligible for participation during the first six weeks of the next semester is he/she fails two or more classes for the semester. The grades that a student makes in class during the first six weeks of the next semester will not erase this period of ineligibility. At the end of the six weeks period of non-participation, a student’s eligibility is reinstated. If the student is passing all classes he/she may participate in school sponsored activities.
Event Participant or Observer
Students at school sponsored off-campus events shall be governed by school district policies, OSSAA rules, and state statutes. All students of Wynona High School, whether participant or an observer, will be subject to the same authority and guidelines as if the event were taking place at the facilities of Wynona Public Schools.
Reference: Oklahoma Secondary Schools Activities Association
710..R.3
REGULATION STUDENT PURCHASE OF PERSONAL SUPPLIES
The board may require students to pay for materials used for classroom activities or projects that are optional and/or extra-curricular projects that may be taken home when the student has completed the project.
711
REPORTING
CHILD ABUSE AND/OR NEGLECT
In compliance with state law, Wynona Board of Education encourages every teacher or other employee of the school district to report promptly any suspected abuse or neglect of any student to the Department of Human Services. In accordance with state law, the report may be made by telephone, in writing, personally or any other means prescribed by the department. The employee shall also inform the principal or superintendent that the report is to be made or was made.
State law provides that persons exercising good faith in the making of a report or allowing access to a child by persons authorized to investigate a report shall have immunity from liability. The board of education will grant its support to any employee making such good faith reports according to the requirements of the law.
Specific directions for reporting child abuse and/or neglect are in Policy 419.
712
REPORTING STUDENTS
UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF INTOXICATING
OR DANGEROUS SUBSTANCES
It is the policy of Wynona School District that any teacher, administrator, or security personnel who has reasonable cause to suspect that a student may be under the influence of, or that said student has in his or her possession, alcoholic beverages, including low-point beer, or a controlled dangerous substance as defined by law shall immediately notify the principal or his/her designee of such suspicions. The principal will then notify a parent or guardian of the student concerning the policy violation. The principal will file a police report. If a student is suspected to be under the influence, a drug test will be required. If the students tests positive for an illegal substance he/she will be required to pay for the test and disciplinary procedures as specified in the handbook will be followed. If the test is negative, the school will pay for the test. Refusal to take the test will be considered admittance of guilt.
Any search, seizure or subsequent disciplinary action shall be subject to any applicable school policy, regulation, state law or student handbook rule.
Every teacher, administrator, or security personnel employed by the board who has reasonable cause to suspect that a student is under the influence of or has possession of alcoholic beverages, including low-point beer, or a controlled dangerous substance and who reports such information to appropriate school officials shall not be subject to civil liability.
References: 70 O.S. 24-102 (Section 489, School Laws of Oklahoma)
37 O.S. 163.27 (Section 1001, School Laws
713
GUN-FREE SCHOOLS
AND DANGEROUS WEAPONS
In order to provide a safe environment for students and staff of Wynona School District, the board prohibits the possession of dangerous weapons and replicas or facsimiles of dangerous weapons, except where permitted by statute.
The Law
It shall be unlawful for any person to have in his/her possession on any public school property or while in any school bus or vehicle used by the school for transportation of students or teachers any firearm or weapon designated in Section 1272 of Title 21 of the Oklahoma Statutes, except as provided below or as otherwise authorized by law.
“School property” means any publicly or privately owned property held for purposes of elementary, secondary or vocational-technical education, and shall not include property owned by public school districts or private educational entities where such property is leased or rented to an individual or corporation and used for purposes other than educational.
The following firearms and weapons are allowed on school property and are deemed not in violation of this policy or state law:
1. A gun or knife designed for hunting or fishing purposes kept in a privately owned vehicle and properly displayed or stored as required by law, or a handgun carried in a vehicle pursuant to a valid handgun license authorized by the Oklahoma Self-Defense Act, provided such vehicle containing said gun or knife is driven onto school property only to transport a student to and from school and such vehicle does not remain unattended on school property;
2. A gun or knife used for the purposes of participating in the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation certified hunter training education course or any other hunting, fishing, safety or firearms training courses, or a recognized firearms sports event, team shooting program or competition, or living history re-enactment, provided the course or event is approved by the principal or chief administrator of the school where the course or event is offered, and provided the weapon is properly displayed or stored as required by law pending participation in the course, event, program or competition; and
3. Weapons in the possession of any peace officer or other person authorized by law to possess a weapon in the performance of their duties and responsibilities.
Any person violating the provisions of this law shall upon conviction be guilty of a felony punishable by a fine not to exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000), and imprisonment for not more than two years. Students violating this policy may be subject to long-term suspension and/or reported to law enforcement authorities.
Application of the Law
Dangerous weapons, including but not limited to firearms, are a threat to the safety of students and staff of Wynona School District. In addition, possession of dangerous weapons, or replicas or facsimiles of dangerous weapons, disrupts the educational process and interferes with the normal operation of the school. Possession by any person of a dangerous weapon or a replica or facsimile of a dangerous weapon while on school property, at a school-sponsored activity or on a school bus or vehicle is prohibited, except where permitted by statute.
A dangerous weapon includes, but is not limited to, a pistol, revolver, rifle, shotgun, air gun or spring gun, BB gun, slingshot, blackjack, brass knuckles or artificial knuckles of any kind, nun-chucks, dagger, Bowie knife, dirk knife, butterfly knife, any knife having a blade greater than three inches, any knife with a blade which can be opened by a flick of a button or pressure on the handle, any pocketknife where the blade is carried in a partially opened position, any pocket knife with blade shorter than three inches which can be locked in place, razor, dart, ice pick, explosive smoke bomb, incendiary device, sword cane, hand chains and any replica or facsimile thereof of any item that is used to harm any person or to threaten harm to any person.
Rights of due process for all students and rights of students with disabilities must be observed in accordance with applicable law.
Reference: 21 0.S. 1280.1 (Section 1031, School Laws of Oklahoma)
Amended by Enr. S.B. 834, 2003 Legislative Session
713..R.1
REGULATION
GUN-FREE SCHOOL AND
DANGEROUS WEAPONS ENFORCEMENT
Any student in possession of a dangerous weapon, or replica or facsimile of a dangerous weapon, in violation of this school district’s policy, except where permitted pursuant to 21 O.S. 2001, Section 1280.1, may be placed under emergency suspension from school, pending an investigation of the incident by the appropriate school or legal authorities. Students who violate this policy may be suspended from school and all activities for any period of time up to the maximum period authorized by law. Additionally, school administrators may seek to file criminal charges against the student.
Any employee in possession of a dangerous weapon, or replica or facsimile of a dangerous weapon, in violation of this school district’s policy, except where permitted pursuant to 21 O.S. 2001, Section 1280.1, may be placed under immediate suspension from duties pending an investigation of the incident by the appropriate school or legal authorities. Such employee may be dismissed or may receive other disciplinary action, if considered appropriate by the superintendent and/or the board of education. In addition, school district employees who willfully or negligently fail to enforce this policy are subject to disciplinary action, which may include dismissal. Any disciplinary action for any employee, including dismissal, will be in accordance with any Board policy and any negotiated agreement which is applicable to the employee.
If a teacher or other school employee has a reasonable suspicion to believe that a student is in possession of a dangerous weapon or a replica or facsimile of a dangerous weapon, the teacher or employee shall immediately investigate the matter and shall confiscate such weapon or replica or facsimile of a dangerous weapon found if this can be accomplished without placing any students or staff in jeopardy. The teacher or employee shall immediately notify the principal or the principal’s designee. If the teacher or employee does not believe that the weapon can be confiscated safely, the teacher or employee shall immediately notify the principal or the principal’s designee of the situation.
If the teacher or other school employee has reasonable suspicion to believe that any employee or other person is in possession of a dangerous weapon or replica or facsimile of a dangerous weapon in violation of school policy, he/she shall immediately report the matter to his/her immediate supervisor or the superintendent of schools or his designee.
If the principal or his designee learns that a student or employee is believed to be in possession of a dangerous weapon or replica or facsimile thereof, the principal or designee shall observe the following procedure:
1. Immediately investigate the matter and contact the police, if appropriate.
2. If not already confiscated by an employee of the school and if it can be accomplished without risk of injury, the principal or designee should take possession of the dangerous weapon or replica or facsimile thereof.
3. Notify the superintendent or his/her designee.
4. In case of a student, notify his/her parents/guardian.
5. Cooperate fully with the police.
6. Transfer confiscated weapon to the police department.
Except as may be required by law for disabled students, any student in possession of a dangerous weapon or replica or facsimile thereof shall not be eligible for placement in any alternative education program, intervention program or be eligible to transfer to another school district in lieu of suspension.
A student who has been suspended from another school district because of the possession of a dangerous weapon or replica or facsimile thereof shall not be accepted as a transfer student into this school district.
Rights of due process for all students and rights of disabled students will be observed in accordance with applicable law and the board of education policies.
714
HARASSMENT, INTIMIDATION, BULLYING AND HAZING
INVESTIGATING REPORTED INCIDENTS
No student in this district will be subject to hazing, harassment or any other form of persecution by any student or employee at school or on school-sponsored activities. The district specifically prohibits threatening behavior, harassment, intimidation and bullying by students at school and/or by electronic communication, whether or not such communication originated at school or with school equipment, if the communication is specifically directed at students or school personnel and concerns harassment, intimidation or bullying at school.
This policy will be included in the student handbook that is distributed to each student each year.
Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying
“Harassment, intimidation and bullying” means any gesture, written or verbal expression, electronic communication, or physical act that a reasonable person should know will harm another student, damage another student’s property, place another student in reasonable fear of harm to the student’s person or damage to the student’s property, or insult or demean any student or group of students in such a way as to disrupt or interfere with the school’s educational mission or the education of any student. This type of conduct includes, but is not limited to, gestures, written or verbal, or physical acts or electronic communications.
“At school” means on school grounds, in school vehicles, at designated school bus stops, at school-sponsored activities or at school-sponsored events.
“Electronic communication” means the communication of any written, verbal or pictorial information by means of an electronic device, including but not limited to a telephone, cellular telephone or other wireless telecommunication device, or a computer
“Threatening behavior” means any pattern of behavior or isolated action, whether or not it is directed at another person, that a reasonable person would believe indicates potential for future harm to students, school personnel, or school property.
Investigating Reported Incidents of Harassment, Intimidation, Bullying or Threatening Behavior
1. The following conduct, as defined and specified above, by any person or persons and directed toward any person or persons or the property thereof is specifically prohibited by the district:
a. Harassment
b. Intimidation
c. Bullying
The above prohibitions apply to such conduct at school and/or by electronic communication and whether or not such communication originated at school or with school equipment, if the communication is specifically directed at students or school personnel and concerns harassment, bullying or intimidation at school.
2. Any student who believes he/she has been subjected to acts of harassment, intimidation or bullying as specified above shall immediately report such incident to one of the student’s teachers or to the student’s school principal. If reported to a teacher, the teacher shall immediately notify the school principal. Students are advised of the importance of reporting these incidents to school officials so that school officials may know about them, investigate them and take any actions deemed appropriate.
3. Upon notification of such an incident by the student or student’s teacher, the school principal shall investigate the incident to determine its severity and its potential to result in future violence.
a. The alleged incident shall be documented in writing by the principal.
b. The investigation shall be made in a timely fashion.
c. At the principal’s discretion, the investigation may include interviews with students and/or faculty who may have knowledge of the incident; collection of documentary or other evidence relating to such incident; involvement of local/state/federal law enforcement authorities; involvement of other district officials who may be of assistance and/or guidance in the matter; and/or any other legal means by which the investigation may be facilitated.
d. Consideration shall be given to recommendations made by the Safe School Committee regarding the most recent and most effective methods for investigating; evaluating and responding to such matters (See policy 408).
4. When the investigation has been completed, the district shall administer any and all sanctions as deemed appropriate in light of the determination it has made regarding the incident of harassment, intimidation or bullying.
a. Sanctions and various options for control and discipline of students which may be considered and/or implemented are set forth in the school’s disciplinary policy (See policies 715, 718 and associated regulations).
b. In addition, the district may recommend that available community mental health care options be provided to the student, if appropriate.
c. Students subject to sanctions under this policy shall have due process and appeal rights as stated in the school’s disciplinary policy (See policies 715, 718 and associated regulations).
5. At its discretion, the district may request disclosure of any information concerning students who have received mental health care relating to acts of harassment, intimidation or bullying, or the like, that indicate an explicit threat to the safety of students or school personnel, provided that the disclosure of such information is not made in violation of any federal or state law pertaining to the disclosure of confidential student information. The request for such information shall be made in writing to the party from whom it is requested. Requests for such disclosure from another district as they relate to a student of this district shall be handled accordingly.
Hazing
It is the policy of Wynona School District that no student or district employee shall participate in or be members of any secret organization on school property or at any school-related event.
For the purposes of this policy, hazing is defined as an activity which recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental health or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or admission into or affiliation with any organization operating subject to the sanctions of the school district.
References 21 O.S. 1190 (Section 826, School Laws of Oklahoma)
Amended by SB 129, 1995 Legislative Session, SB 1941, 2008 Legislative Session
Note: State law requires that a copy of any hazing policy be given to each student enrolled in the school.
715
STUDENT DISCIPLINE
Wynona Board of Education supports the belief that the result of one’s behavior will be a consequence--positive or negative in nature. Therefore, for the ultimate benefit of the student, rules of student discipline must be set and followed by the school district.
Discipline Goal
The school’s primary goal is to educate, not discipline. However, when the behavior of an individual student comes in conflict with the rights of others, corrective actions are necessary for the benefit of the individual and the school.
Discipline Attainment
1. Administrators and teachers of Wynona School District shall have the same right as a parent or guardian to control and discipline children according to local policies. These policies shall be in effect during the time the child is in attendance or in transit to or from school or any other school function authorized by the school district or classroom presided over by the teacher.
2. The goal of our policy is to correct misconduct of an individual and to promote adherence by students to the policies and regulations of this district.
3. Administrative response to student misconduct is a matter directly influencing the morale of the entire student body. As such, all punishment will be based on a careful assessment of the circumstances surrounding each infraction. i.e. the student’s attitude, the seriousness of the offense and its potential effect on other students.
4. In administering discipline, consideration will be given to alternative methods of punishment to insure that the most effective discipline is administered in each case. In all disciplinary actions, the administration shall be mindful of the fact that they are dealing with individual personalities. The administration may consider consultation with parents on disciplinary matters that might prove most effective in particular instances. Nothing in this discipline schedule shall be construed to deny the student’s right to fair and orderly hearings, appeals, counsel and due process in cases that may end in suspension or expulsion.
5. The superintendent and his/her designees in a manner that they deem just, given the circumstances of the individual case shall interpret this schedule. Additionally, administrators shall have the authority to enforce other reasonable disciplinary action that they find warranted by situations not covered in the disciplinary action schedule.
The individual teacher in compliance with board policy will most likely determine methods of discipline. Discipline to be considered will always provide options for the types of discipline.
6. The board believes that parental support in areas of student discipline is particularly important. Therefore, the district shall make efforts to assist parents in developing skills and attitudes necessary in helping their children succeed in school and shall allow appropriate involvement of parents, students and staff in developing student discipline policies.
7. All students, teachers and parents or guardians shall be notified of this policy and will be provided a copy upon request. Parents will also be notified of their right to decline the use of corporal punishment or be contacted before it is administered. The school district shall also provide a student handbook that includes information concerning its discipline policies.
715..R.1
REGULATION
STUDENT DISCIPLINE ACTIVITIES
The goal of the Wynona School District disciplinary policy is to correct the misconduct of the individual and to promote adherence by that student and by other students to the policies and regulations of the district.
The school district, in order to provide quality education for all its students, will not tolerate disruptive acts that would interfere with tranquility of its school or the safety of its students. Furthermore, damaging of school property will not be tolerated. Students, while enrolled in this district, shall be under the supervision of and accountable to school personnel. The supervision shall include:
§ going directly to and from school
§ attendance of a school-sponsored activity in the district or involving the district schools (away from the district)
§ going to and from a required activity
§ in-transit time to activities on school transportation
The district may also discipline a student for behavior that occurs in other places if a relationship exists between the behavior and the district, especially if the behavior may indicate a possible impact on the safety of the district and its students.
Disruptive or Interfering Behavior
A disruptive or interfering act shall be defined as, but not limited to, inciting, encouraging, promoting, or participating in activities which interfere with the due process of the educational program of the school. The following are examples of behavior that will constitute disruptive activities:
§ demonstrations or sit-ins
§ walk-outs or blockages
§ group violence
§ disrespect or disobedience to school personnel harassment and/or intimidation, verbal or physical, of students or school personnel
§ the use of obscene, lewd or profane language (visual and/or auditory)
§ fighting
§ disruptive publications
§ theft or inappropriate use of personal or school property
§ possession or use of drugs, alcohol or weapons possession use of tobacco by minors
§ failure to make reasonable attempt at course work
Administrative response to student misconduct is a matter directly influencing the morale of the entire student body. As such, all student discipline should be based on a careful assessment of the circumstances surrounding each infraction (i.e. the student's attitude, the seriousness of the offense and its potential effect on other students).
Examples of Specific Activities that May Result In Discipline
The following activities, listed by example, are hereby prohibited to the students of this school district when under school authority, and commissions or omissions, as the case may be, may result in disciplinary measures at the discretion of the certified staff of this school district.
1. refusal to follow a directive or order, verbal or written, of any principal, teacher, or bus driver
2. misbehavior at noon
3. behavior which, in the opinion of a bus driver or sponsor, endangers other students riding the bus
4. sale, possession, or use of drugs and/or mind or mood altering substances at school or at any school activity
5. violence or verbal abuse towards school personnel or other students at any time
6. threats of violence toward school personnel or to other students at any time
7. fighting at school, to and from school, or at any school activity
8. extortion at any time
9. carrying dangerous weapons at school or at a school activity, except where permitted by 21 O.S. 2001, Section 1280.1
10. refusal to do required assignments
11. immorality at school or at a school activity or to or from school or such activity
12. behavior in the classroom which interferes with the learning of others
13. stealing or defacing school property, school personnel's property or other student's personal property
14. truancy and tardiness
15. failure to show respect for school personnel
16. cheating on school assignments or tests
17. failure to do required assignments
18. chewing gum or eating candy in class
19. use or possession of tobacco on school grounds during school hours, to and from school, or during extracurricular activities at the site of a school-sponsored activity for students is prohibited for students (regardless of age)
20. use of foul language or obscene gestures at school or at a school activity
21. reckless driving on campus or any street adjacent to the campus at any time
22. showing poor sportsmanship at school activities
23. disruptive behavior at school activities
24. leaving school without checking out through the office of the principal
25. wearing hats in the building during the class day
26. wearing street shoes on the gym floor
27. refusing to go to assemblies directly from the classroom
28. loitering, littering between school and town, before school, noon, or after school
29. not waiting until the teacher dismisses the class before leaving a classroom
30. not staying in the building once a student has arrived at a school activity
31. not parking in assigned parking areas
32. loitering in parking areas or inside cars during the school day or any activity
33. being out of class during class period
34. failure to take books and supplies to class
35. wearing clothing or buttons with sexually suggestive or obscene words or pictures on them
36. making unauthorized phone calls during the day
37. wearing shirts, tank tops, or tops that do not come down to the top of the pants, skirt or shorts worn
38. wearing any advertisement or picture interfering with the education process
39. passing notes in the classroom
40. bringing any audio, radio, or television appliance to school without permission
41. running or being excessively noisy in the hallway
42. public display of affection
43. violating posted classroom rules
44. lunchroom misconduct
45. violating administrative directives or rules
46. any other action that is not covered, but warrants attention
This listing gives students examples of some of the infractions that a student might encounter. It is not all-inclusive and does not limit either offenses or possible disciplinary actions a student might encounter based on the seriousness of each offense. Nothing in this discipline explanation shall be construed to deny the student's right to fair and orderly hearing, appeals, counsel and due process in cases that may end in suspension or expulsion.
The principals and their designees shall interpret the listings in a manner that they deem just, given the circumstances of the individual case. This list is not intended to be a complete listing of all possible offenses, but it is a listing of those offenses that we deal with most often. Additionally, administrators shall have the authority to enforce other reasonable disciplinary action that they find warranted by situations not covered in the disciplinary action schedule.
Sequence of Events
The sequence of events for disciplinary actions shall be in the following order:
1. Conference with student
2. In-school suspension
3. Detention
4. Referral to counselor
5. Behavioral contract
6. Conference with parents
7. Changing seat assignments or class assignment for students
8. Requiring the student to make financial restitution
9. Requiring the student to clean or straighten items or facilities he/she damaged
10. Restriction of privileges
11. Involving the police
12. Suspension
13. Expulsion
14. Corporal punishment
15. Any other disciplinary action deemed appropriate to the situation
Due Process A student suspended from school has a right to due process. Due process means that the student
1. has the opportunity to inform himself/herself of the provisions of the policies or of school regulations or procedures,
2. has been informed of the policies allegedly violated,
3. has had sufficient opportunity to give his/her version of the alleged violation, to call witnesses, and to be represented by legal counsel,
4. has the right to appeal.
Right to Appeal
Appeal procedures for suspensions may be made on the basis of answering the following questions:
1. Is the student guilty of a rule violation?
2. Is the penalty in keeping with the severity of the infraction?
On receiving an appeal, the principal will set a time and place for the appeal conference. The student and parent/guardian must attend the conference. The appeal conference will not be confused with a disciplinary conference called for by school personnel. The appeal decision will be
1. to sustain the suspension, or
2. to rescind the suspension, or
3. to modify the action prescribed.
Further actions will be in accordance with state statute. A decision made by the board of education or board-appointed hearing officer shall be final.
Interpretation
The principal and his designees in a manner that is deemed just given the circumstances of the individual case shall determine the disciplinary action to be taken. Additionally, administrators shall have the authority to enforce other reasonable disciplinary action that they find warranted by situations not covered by policy or regulation.
Notification
Parents and guardians of every child residing in the school district shall be notified at the beginning of each school year that this policy and regulations are in effect. A copy of this information will be made available to parents or guardians upon request at any time during the school year.
References: 70 O.S. 24-101.3 (Section 488.2, School Laws of Oklahoma)
Enr. S.B. No. 452 (2003 Legislative Session)
21 O.S. 2001 Section 1280.1 (amended by Enr. S.B. No. 834, 2003 Legislative Session)
715..R.2
REGULATION
DISCIPLINE OPTIONS AND ACTIONS
The administration, faculty, and staff will continue to hold in high regard the cooperation of the student body in maintaining an orderly, disciplined learning atmosphere at Wynona High School.
Student conduct should reflect the highest standards of our community and school. Students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that exemplifies respect for one’s self, other people, and the property of others. At all times, students will be cooperative and display class dignity.
Depending on the seriousness of the wrongdoing committed by the student, discipline may consist of a verbal warning, after-hours supervised time, in-school suspension or suspension (if in compliance with state law), removal of privileges, parent contact, apologies or personal restitution for items or equipment stolen or destroyed. Disciplinary action will be determined by the teacher or the administrator in charge, in compliance with this and other board policies.
Any student involved in a severe disruption will be sent to the office immediately.
Severe disruptions include, but are not limited to, smoking; chewing or dipping tobacco; drinking alcoholic beverages; possession of alcohol, drugs, tobacco, lighters, or matches; fighting; blatant disrespect; assault; gang-related activities; refusal to obey a reasonable request; and sexual harassment. Students who display these behaviors should be sent immediately to the principal’s office.
The following is a list of administrative responses intended as a guide only. If a student is in violation, past conduct records will be considered in the resolution of the infraction. Responses include, but are not limited to
1. Conference with student
2. In-school isolation
3. Detention
4. Referral to counselor
5. Behavioral contract
6. Conference with parent and student
7. Student schedule change
8. Financial restitution
9. Cleaning of facilities and/or school grounds
10. Restriction of privileges
11. Police involvement and investigation
12. Criminal charges
13. Suspension
14. Court related and community services referral and counseling
15. Public apology
16. Corporal punishment
17. Any other punishment deemed appropriate to the situation
Other Methods of Control and Discipline Classroom
Teachers may use various methods to control the activities in their classrooms in order to provide the best possible learning atmosphere for their students. Classroom rules should be discussed and posted by each individual teacher. Undesirable behavior of a serious nature or continuation of undesirable behavior will be referred to the principal's office.
Detention
A student is this District may be detained before school hours, during the student’s lunch hour, or after school hours for disciplinary reasons if, in the judgment of a school administrator or the student’s teacher, such disciplinary measures are warranted. If a student is to be detained, the parent must be notified of the planned detention and, in the case of bus students, arrangements made for the student’s transportation before or after detention. In those cases where transportation is required, twenty-four (24) hour notice will be given so that transportation may be arranged. A student can be assigned detention by any teacher before or after school. Usually the next day will be assigned.
Detention Rules
3:45-5:00
NO TALKING- If caught talking you will get another day of detention.
Use restroom and get a drink before detention begins at 3:45. You must be in your seat and silent at 3:45. If you are not in your seat, on time, another day of detention will be added.
Bring ALL needed materials, books, work, etc. with you. You will not be allowed to leave once detention begins.
No phones, i-pods, i-pads, mp3 players, headphones, etc.-These items are to be put on the teachers desk when detention begins. If caught with any of these items, they will be confiscated and only returned to a parent the next day.
No drawing
If nothing is brought to do then you will have to do dictionary work. Student will be expected to write the entire time.
You can read if you bring your own book and all missing work is completed.
You must stay in your seat from beginning to end. No throwing things in the trash can. Any trash may be thrown away at 5:00. NO SHOOTING BASKETS!!
If you are disrespectful, rude, hateful, etc. you could possibly be given another day of detention (at the supervisor’s discretion).
If you refuse to follow these rules, your parents will be called and you will either be given more detention or you will be suspended.
If the student skips detention the time will double.
In-School Suspension
The In-School Suspension program provides a substitute to some suspensions that would normally require disassociation from the school. Students suspended in-school are permitted to remain in a structured academic environment yet are isolated from the main stream student body.
Hopefully, results will be a modification of student behavior, a reduction in the number of students separated from school and accountability for their own actions.
Placement of students in ISS will be the decision of the school administrator.
A student assigned any portion of ISS (all day or half day) is ineligible to participate or attend any school activity during the day or evening hours during the period of suspension. (After school athletic practice is included) SUSPENDED STUDENTS ARE NOT ALLOWED ON SCHOOL GROUNDS!
The length of a student’s day in ISS will be determined by the administrator.
The number of days assigned to ISS will be determined by the administrator, depending on the offense and the student’s previous disciplinary and/or attendance record.
The length of ISS assignments will be at the discretion of the administrator.
A student assigned to ISS will be under supervision from the time he/she arrives at school until he/she leaves.
All students assigned to ISS are to arrive promptly at 8:30 am (when they arrive at school) and last until 5:00 pm.
Students who are tardy to ISS will be assigned additional ISS time at the discretion of the administrator.
All work assigned by the student’s teachers MUST be completed before the student will be released from ISS. Incomplete assignments will result in additional ISS time.
Excused absences do not count toward the number of days assigned to ISS.
An unexcused absence from ISS will result in an increase time spent in ISS or possible out of school suspension.
Restroom and water breaks for students assigned to ISS will be given in the morning and afternoon at the discretion of the ISS director.
Lunch will be brought to the ISS room for each student.
Any tobacco use will result in immediate suspension with the remainder of the ISS time served upon student’s return to school.
With the exception of sack lunches, no food, drinks, candy, or gum are allowed in the ISS room.
Talking and socializing are not permitted in ISS at any time.
Seating is assigned by the ISS director.
Students who do not comply with the guidelines of ISS or who cause further disturbances will be removed from the school.
A student may return to the school’s mainstream only when he/she has a signed release from the ISS director and the administrator who made the placement. The release will be effective at the end of the last day of placement. Students are not allowed to sleep in class.
Other than assignments from Art classes, drawing will not be allowed.
Students assigned to this program are not eligible for final exam exemption.
Any situation not covered by these rules will be handled at the discretion of the ISS director and the administrator.
Extended school hours are 8:30am-5:00pm.
Corporal Punishment
With parental consent, Wynona Public Schools reserve the right to invoke corporal punishment upon a student when it is deemed necessary in order to correct undesirable behavioral patterns. Paddling may be used for serious offenses or for repetitious offenses when other methods of control have failed.
Long-term Suspension
Students who have experienced a short-term suspension of ten (10) days or less face the possibility of long-term suspension. Should behavioral difficulties continue to be a detriment to the school climate, the student may be suspended for the remainder of the current school semester and/or the following semester.
References: 70 O.S. 24-100.1 (Section 487.b, School Laws of Oklahoma)
70 O.S. 24-101.3 (Section 488.2, School Laws of Oklahoma)
70 O.S. 24-100.4 (Section 154, School Laws of Oklahoma)
715..R.3 REGULATON
CORPORAL PUNISHMENT
Teachers are responsible for maintaining good order in their rooms, hall and about the school premises. They should seek help and advice of the principal when situations arise requiring guidance. Corporal punishment should be administered only in the administrative office of the school and in the presence of an administrator, the principal, or a teacher designated by the administrator.
Actions to be taken when corporal punishment is administered
1. Contact the parent prior to the corporal punishment.
2. Record the disciplinary actions taken during the course of events leading to the physical punishment.
3. List the nature of the offense, the nature of any action taken to warn, or avoid a "hearing', formal or informal.
4. Document the physical punishment, time, date, witness, amount and reason for which given. List any alternatives to the disciplinary action.
715..R.4
REGULATION DRESS CODE
All students are to be dressed appropriately for the activity in which they are involved. The superintendent, principals and athletic director shall be responsible for determining whether the student is in compliance with the dress rules. A violation of these rules shall result in disciplinary action.
Items Specifically Prohibited
1. Obscene or suggestive lettering or pictures, including alcoholic, drug or tobacco promotions
2. Hats, caps, bandanas, armband, headbands, hairnets, muscle shirts, tank tops, bike shorts, and billfold chains
3. Clothing that exposes or reveals inappropriate areas of the body
4. Clothing that is torn, cut, mutilated or does not have a finished border
5. Dresses, shorts, or skirts that do not extend down within four inches of the knee cap
6. Undergarments, leggings or tights not appropriately covered by outerwear
7. Overall straps not attached, pants that sag below a reasonable waist line
8. Sunglasses without medical documentation
9. All other items of dress determined to be disruptive to the educational environment
It should be understood that appropriate dress for school shall promote cleanliness, modesty and should not create distractions within the educational environment.
See student handbook
Every student’s hair should be well-groomed and clean and not distracting to the educational process.
Extra-Curricular Activity Dress Code
All students representing Wynona Public Schools at public events (athletic, music or other activities that take place before the public) will dress in a manner so as to project the best image possible on our school and community. It is the expectation of the administration of Wynona Schools that activity sponsors establish and enforce standards for dress at public events that meet or exceed standards previously set forth in this regulation. These standards shall be submitted in writing to the principal for approval.
Reference: 70 O.S. 24-100.4 (Section 154, School Laws of Oklahoma)
715..R.5
REGULATION
CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT
Wynona School District has a goal of providing an atmosphere whereby all students can achieve academically, have personal growth and learn self-control. The worth and dignity of all students must be protected. A uniform, consistent approach to discipline by the teaching team should help achieve these expectations.
Each individual teacher should practice good classroom management habits.
1. Set high expectations and discipline objectives at the beginning of the school year.
2. Clearly define rules and expectations for behavior.
3. Inform students of rewards and consequences of their behavior.
4. Post rules in the classroom.
5. Document all disciplinary incidents.
6. Keep disciplinary records for each student.
7. Refer severe behavioral problems to the counselor or an administrator.
8. Discipline is the responsibility of the classroom teacher.
716
SEARCH AND SEIZURE
The superintendent, principal, or teacher employed by Wynona School District upon reasonable suspicion, may detain and search, or authorize the search of, any pupil or property in the possession of the pupil if the pupil is on any school premises or in transit under the authority of the school, or attending any function sponsored or authorized by the school. The student may be searched for dangerous weapons, controlled dangerous substances, intoxicating beverages, and low-point beer. The student may also be searched for missing or stolen property if such property is reasonably suspected to have been taken from a pupil, school employee or the school during school activities. The search shall be conducted by a person of the same sex and witnessed by at least one other authorized person, preferably by a person of the same sex. Only cold weather outerwear shall be removed.
The official shall have authority to detain the pupil and to preserve any of the items mentioned above and found on the student. Any dangerous weapon, controlled dangerous substance and intoxicating beverages, including low-point beer, shall be given to the police department for appropriate destruction.
Pupils shall have no expectation of privacy in lockers, desks, or other school property from school personnel or law enforcement officers. No reasonable suspicion shall be required to conduct a locker, desk, or other school property search. These statements are to be included in the student discipline handbook.
The pupil may be suspended in accordance with school law, and any such suspension may be appealed to the administrative committee or board of education, in accordance with school policy.
References: 70 O.S. 24-102 (Section 489, School Laws of Oklahoma)
HB 2130, 1997 Legislative Session
HB 1092, 2001 Legislative Session
Note: HB 1092 removed the term “wireless communication devices” from the list of items for which schools have the authority to detain and search a student.
717
WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATION
DEVICES AND NUISANCE ITEMS
Wireless Telecommunication Devices
Cell phones and/or pagers are not to be visible or turned on at any time during the school day except during lunch. Administration has the right to revoke phone privileges if it becomes a nuisance.
1st offense: The phone will be taken, kept in the office, and returned to a parent at the end of the day.
2nd offense: Suspension 1-5 days; failure to comply. Students will not be allowed to have a phone on premises.
Nuisance Items
Radios, video games, tape players, water guns, laser pointers, cards and other similar items are considered “nuisance items” and should NOT be brought to school.
Projection of Injurious Objects The board may take legal action against any person in attendance at any athletic or other public entertainment event to project in any manner an object that could cause bodily harm to another person. In addition, that person is subject to ejection from the event by the officials supervising the event.
References: 70 O.S. 24-101.1 (Section 488, School Laws of Oklahoma)
O.S. 21-1377 (Section 1042, School Laws of Oklahoma
HB 2130, 1997 Legislative Session
HB 1092, 2001 Legislative Session Note: HB 1092 allows school districts to set their own policy concerning cellular phones, pagers and other wireless devices. This policy is required, but may be adjusted to an individual school district. However, HB 1092 removes the term “wireless communication device” from the list of items for which schools have the authority to detain and search.
718
STUDENT SUSPENSION
Wynona Board of Education holds the position that a student may be suspended out of school when the student is found to be guilty of any of the following acts:
A. violation of a school regulation
B. immorality
C. adjudication as a delinquent for an offense that is not a violent act (See addendum.)
D. possession of wireless telecommunication device, an intoxicating beverage, low-point beer, or missing or stolen property if the property is reasonably suspected to been taken from a student, a school employee, or the school, and
E. to have been in possession of a dangerous weapon or a controlled dangerous substance.
The district shall implement the following considerations in making decisions in suspension situations:
1. Before a pupil is suspended out of school for the above-named reasons, the school principal shall consider and apply, if appropriate, alternative in-school placement options that are not to be considered suspension, such as placement in an alternative school setting, reassignment to another classroom, or in-school detention.
2. A student suspended for more than five (5) days shall be given an educational plan.
3. The parent or guardian of a student suspended out of school for the above-named reasons shall provide a supervised, structured environment for the student and bear responsibility for student’s educational progress.
4. The school administration shall provide an education plan designed for the eventual reintegration of the student into school.
A. The plan need provide only for the core units (English, math, science, social studies, and art).
B. The plan shall set out the procedure for education.
C. The plan shall address academic credit for work satisfactorily completed.
5. Suspended students on an individualized education plan shall be provided the education and related services in accordance with the student’s IEP.
6. The board of education supports the concept that if work is satisfactorily completed during suspension and satisfactory test grades are achieved, the student should receive sufficient credit for a passing grade in the class.
Suspension for Possession of Firearms
Any student found in possession of a firearm while on any public school property or while in any school bus or other vehicle used by a public school for transportation of students or teachers shall be suspended out of school for a period of not less that one (1) year, except for instances where such possession is allowed pursuant to the provisions set forth in 20 O.S. 2001, Section 1280.1. The superintendent on a case may modify the term of the suspension on a case-by-case basis. The student may request a review of the suspension with the administration.
Due Process
The superintendent and/or principal shall have the authority to suspend a student. Before suspending a student, the student shall be given oral or written notice of the charge and, if the student denies it, an explanation of the evidence and an opportunity to present his or her side of the story. Students whose presence imposes a continuing danger may be removed from the school immediately. Written notice and a hearing shall follow as soon as possible.
Student Appeal
A student suspended by the district shall have the right to appeal to the board of education. The board shall notify the student, his or her parent, attorney, or legal guardian that the student is entitled to an executive session of the board regarding the discussion of the student's suspension. If the student, his/her parent, attorney, or legal guardian request an executive session, and only upon such request, the board will grant an executive session. The board shall, upon a full investigation of the matter, determine the guilt or innocence of the student and the reasonableness of the term of the suspension. The board may appoint a hearing officer to conduct the hearing and render the final decision. The decision of the board or board-appointed hearing officer shall be final.
References: HB 2692, 1996 Legislative Session
70 O.S. 24-101.3 (Section 488.2, School Law Book)
HB 2130, 1997 Legislative Session
HB 2335, 1998 Legislative Session
Enr. S.B. No. 452
Enr. S.B. No. 834
718..R.1
REGULATION
SUSPENSION ACTIONS AND PROCEDURES
The principal shall have the authority to suspend any pupil who is guilty of any of the following acts while in attendance at such school or in transit (by school transportation or under school supervision) to or from school, at any school function authorized by the school district, or when present on any facility under the control of the school district.
The district may also discipline a student for behavior that occurs in other places if a relationship exists between the behavior and the school, especially if the behavior may indicate a possible impact on the safety of the school district and its students.
This listing is examples of some of the infractions that a student might encounter prior to receiving suspension. It is not all-inclusive and does not limit either offenses or possible disciplinary actions a student might encounter.
1. Immorality or profanity
2. Truancy
3. Violation of written school rules, regulations or policies
4. Assault upon another student or person
5. Possession or being under the influence of any narcotic drug, stimulant, barbiturate or alcohol
6. Possession , threat, or use of a dangerous weapon as defined by State Statue
7. Use and/or possession of any tobacco product
8. Conduct which disrupts the operation of the school
9. Conduct which jeopardizes the safety of others
10. The willful disobedience of the request of any school official in the performance of such school official’s duties
11. Failure to attend an assigned detention class without prior approval
12. Failure to comply with State immunization law
13. Vandalism or theft
14. Excessive tardies
15. Fighting on school premises
16. Verbal or physical abuse
17. Illegal use of parking permits
18. Unauthorized entry to buildings and /or campus
19. Unauthorized departure from campus and/or class
20. Failure to attend assigned class while on campus without prior office approval
21 Gambling
The Constitutional rights of individuals assure them the protection of due process of law; therefore, the administration of discipline in this school district shall be guided by legally sound procedures.
Reference: 70 O.S. 24-101-3 (Section 488.2, School Laws of Oklahoma)
718..R.2
REGULATION
EXCEPTIONS TO
NONVIOLENT OFFENSES
“Nonviolent offense” means any felony offense EXCEPT the following, or any attempts to commit or conspiracy or solicitation to commit the following crimes:
1. Assault, battery, or assault and battery with a dangerous weapon
2. Aggravated assault and battery on a police officer, sheriff, highway patrolman, or any other officer of the law.
3. Poisoning with intent to kill
4. Assault with intent to commit a felony
5. Assault while masked or disguised
6. Murder in the first degree
7. Murder in the second degree
8. Manslaughter in the first degree
9. Manslaughter in the second degree
10. Kidnapping
11. Burglary in the first degree
12. Burglary with explosives
13. Kidnapping for extortion
14. Maiming
15. Robbery
16. Robbery in the first degree
17. Robbery in the second degree
18. Armed robbery
19. Robbery by two (2) or more persons
20. Robbery with dangerous weapon or imitation firearm
21. Child beating
22. Wiring any equipment, vehicle or structure with explosives
23. Forcible sodomy
24. Rape in the first degree
25. Rape in the second degree
26. Rape by instrumentation
27. Lewd or indecent proposition or lewd or indecent act with a child
28. Use of a firearm or offensive weapon to commit or attempt to commit a felony
29. Pointing firearms
30. Rioting
31. Inciting to riot
32. Arson in the first degree
33. Injuring or burning public buildings
34. Sabotage
35. Criminal syndicalism
36. Extortion
37. Obtaining a signature by extortion
38. Seizure of a bus, discharging a firearm or hurling missile at bus
39. Mistreatment of a mental patient
40. Any other offense specified in Section 995.1, Title 22, Oklahoma Statutes
718..R.3
REGULATION GANG ACTIVITY
It is the policy of Wynona board of education that membership in secret fraternities or sororities, or in other clubs, organizations or gangs not sponsored by established agencies or organizations is prohibited.
Gangs that initiate, advocate or promote activities that threaten the safety or well-being of persons or property on school grounds or that disrupt the school environment are harmful to the educational process. The use of hand signals, graffiti or the presence of any apparel, jewelry, accessory or manner of grooming that by virtue of its color arrangement, trademark, symbol or any other attribute that indicates or implies membership or affiliation with such a group, presents a clear and present danger to the school environment and educational objectives of the community and are forbidden.
Incidents involving initiations, hazing, intimidation, and/or related activities of such group affiliations that are likely to cause bodily danger, physical harm or personal degradation or disgrace resulting in physical or mental harm to students are prohibited.
Any student wearing, carrying or displaying gang paraphernalia, or exhibiting behavior or gestures that symbolize any membership, or causing and/or participating in activities that intimidate or affect the attendance of another student will be subject to disciplinary action including short-tern or long-term suspension.
718..R.4
REGULATION CONTRACT FOR OUT-OF-SCHOOL SUSPENSION
Wynona Public Schools
I, ___________________________________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian will provide _______________________________ a supervised, structured environment while Student
________________________________________________________is suspended out-of-school.
Student
I, ____________________________________________, will provide this environment with the
Parent/Guardian
following conditions:
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________ _________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature Date
___________________________________________________ _________________________
Principal Signature Date
Note: A student while on suspension is not eligible to attend or participate in extra-curricular
activities
719..R.1
REGULATION
STUDENT BEHAVIOR ON SCHOOL BUSES
The school bus driver has a great responsibility. Each day he carries a "precious cargo" and his only concern should be to see that all of his passengers are transported to and from school safely. Unfortunately, there are times when children (young and old) do things that cause the driver to be distracted from his job. This is dangerous and cannot be allowed. It is necessary, therefore, that rules and regulations be enforced and that they be followed without question. Each parent must see that his or her child understands the importance of good behavior while riding a school bus.
Wynona Board of Education realizes that a hardship may result in the parent's having to take a child to and from school, but it is sometimes necessary. A student may not be allowed to ride a school bus when he/she continues to jeopardize the safety of others.
Misconduct of Students Riding in School Vehicles The first time child is sent to the office for misconduct on a bus, the building principal will discuss the bus riders rules with the child and correct the problem. The second time a child in sent to the office for misconduct on a bus, the building principal will go over the bus riders rules again, contact the parents and, if necessary, discipline the child. The third time a child in sent to the office for misconduct on a bus, the building principal will contact the parents, go over the bus riders rules again, and the child may be expelled from riding the bus for three days. The building principal will contact the parents in writing, that another occurrence of misconduct may constitute removal of the student from riding the bus for the remainder of the school year. Riding a school bus is a privilege and the privilege may be removed for not abiding by the bus rider rules.
Previous to loading students should:
1. Be on time at the designated bus stop. Keep the bus on schedule.
2. Stay off the road at all times while waiting for the bus.
3. Be careful in approaching bus stops. Respect people and their property while waiting for the bus.
4. Wait until the bus comes to a complete stop at the loading zone before moving toward the bus and attempting to enter.
5. Receive proper school official authorization to be discharged at places other than the regular bus stop.
While on the bus students should:
1. Keep all parts of the body inside the bus.
2. Refrain from eating and drinking on the bus.
3. Refrain from the use of any form of tobacco, alcohol or drugs.
4. Assist in keeping the bus safe and clean at all times.
5. Maintain possession of books, lunches or other articles and keep the aisle clear.
6. Remember that loud talking and laughing or unnecessary confusion diverts the driver's attention and may result in a serious accident. The life you save may be your own.
7. Never tamper with the bus or any of its equipment. Damage to seats or other parts of the bus shall be paid for by the offender.
8. Help look after the safety and comfort of small children.
9. Not throw objects in or out of the bus.
10. Remain in their seats while the bus is in motion.
11. Refrain from horse play and fighting on the school bus.
12. Be courteous to fellow pupils, the bus driver and driver's assistants.
13. Remain quiet when approaching a railroad crossing.
14. Remain in the bus during road emergencies except when it may be hazardous to their safety.
After leaving the bus students should:
1. Go at least ten (10) feet in front of the bus, stop, check traffic, wait for the bus driver's signal, then cross the road.
2. Go home immediately staying clear of traffic.
3. Help look after the safety and comfort of small children.
Extracurricular Trips:
1. The above rules and regulations apply to all trips under school sponsorship.
2. The superintendent or a person designated by the superintendent shall assign sponsors for extracurricular trips.
720
DISPENSING MEDICATIONS
Wynona Board of Education recognizes that students will on occasion need to take medicines at school. The term "medicine" as used in this policy means "non-prescription medicine" and "filled prescription medicine." Students needing special care at school due to some special condition, illness or disease should give information, including a statement from parents or doctor concerning the difficulty and care needed, to the main office.
Definitions
"Non-prescription medicine" is that medicine that may be purchased over-the-counter without direction from a physician. Non-prescription medicine must be in the original container and have affixed the name of medicine, dosage, guidelines and directions for administration. A student's name must be written on the container. “Non-prescription medications” may be dispensed and administered only in compliance with the written directions on the label of the medication or as otherwise authorized in writing by the student’s physician.
"Filled prescription medicine" is a medication contained in a prescription container with a label which correctly states the name and address of the pharmacy, date of filling, name of patient, name of person who prescribes the medication, prescription number, name of medication, dose per unit and directions for the administration of the medicine. If these details are not listed on a pharmacy container, or if a sample is provided by a doctor or a prescription changed, a doctor’s written instructions are required. All medications should also be accompanied by a written authorization from the parent or guardian indication the purpose of the medication, time to be administered, and termination date for administering the medication.
Authorized Personnel to Prescribe Medications The principal or designated school employee will oversee and record any filled prescription or non-prescription medication a student uses or takes. All medicines will be properly stored in a designated location and kept locked at all times. These medicines will not be readily accessible to anyone other than school employees designated to administer medication.
Record of Medications Administered to Students School personnel will keep on file signed authorization forms as well as a record of the following: name of student to whom the medication is administered, date the medicine is administered, name/initials of person administering the medicine, name of medicine, dosage of medicine, time medicine is administered.
Authorization Form If it becomes necessary for a student to use or take filled prescription medicine or non-prescription medicine at school, it is the policy of Wynona Public Schools that a parent or guardian must sign a Parent Provided Prescription/Non-Prescription Medication Authorization form provided by school personnel.
A new medication authorization form must be filled out for each medication at the beginning of each school year, for each change in medication and/or for any change in dosage.
District Responsibility Wynona School District assumes no responsibility for the control of medicines not registered or stored with designated school personnel. Medication brought to school not meeting stated guidelines will not be administered. The principal, school nurse, contracted nurse, or designated school employee may not be held liable to the student or his/her parent or guardian for civil damages, for any personal injuries to the student which result from acts or omissions of the principal, school nurse, contracted nurse, or designated school employee in the administering of any medicine. However, such immunity does not apply to acts or omissions constituting gross, willful or wanton negligence.
School-Provided First Aid If a student becomes injured or ill at school, it is the policy of Wynona Public Schools to administer first aid/nonprescription medicine if a parent or guardian has signed a School-Provided Non-Prescription Medication, First Aid and CPR Authorization form. Such authorization is to be in effect as long as a student is enrolled in Wynona Public Schools unless the parent or guardian files a written request that the authorization is cancelled.
If a student becomes ill during the school day, he/she should go to the office. The student’s parents or those designated on his/her enrollment form will be contacted.
When a student is involved in an accident that results in a severe or life-threatening injury, school officials may call for professional medical assistance until a parent is available to either provide or request assistance for the student.
If a student has special needs due to some condition such as diabetes, epilepsy, asthma, rheumatic fever or a heart condition, the principal’s office should be notified.
Reporting Accidents
Any employee witnessing an accident on school property (a building, grounds, or district vehicle) at any time will make a written report as soon as the situation is under control to the principal to be forwarded to the superintendent.
720.1..R1
REGULATION
PARENTAL AUTHORIZATION FOR STUDENT SELF-ADMINISTRATION
OF INHALED ASTHMA MEDICATION
The undersigned, , (“Parent”) is the parent or
legal guardian of , (“Student”) who attends Wynona School.
By Parent’s signature below, Parent understands and agrees to the following:
1. Parent hereby authorizes Student to self-administer inhaled asthma medication pursuant to the guidelines set forth in District Policy 720.1.
2. Parent has read, understands and agrees to the provisions and regulations of District Policy 720.1, Student Self-Administration of Inhaled Asthma Medication, and understands that violation of the terms and conditions set forth in that Policy by either Student or Parent may result in revocation of Student’s permission to self-administer inhaled asthma medication at school.
3. Parent has provided to the District a written statement from Student’s physician indicating that Student has asthma and is capable of, and has been instructed in the proper method of, self-administration of inhaled asthma medication.
4. Parent acknowledges the following statement:
“The District, its employees and agents shall incur no liability as a result of any injury arising from the self-administration of medication by the student.”
5. Parent has read, understands and agrees to the provisions and regulations of District Policy 720, Dispensing Medications, and understands that violation of the terms and conditions set forth in that Policy by either Student or Parent may result in revocation of Student’s permission to self-administer inhaled asthma medication at school.
6. Parent has been given a copy of District Policy 720.1, Student Self-Administration of Inhaled Asthma Medication; a copy of District Policy 720, Dispensing Medication and any accompanying signed forms; and a copy of this signed Parental Authorization form.
Signature of Parent or Legal Guardian
Date
720..R.1
REGULATION
PARENTAL AUTHORIZATION
FOR DISPENSING NON-PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS
Wynona Public Schools
Parental Authorization
for Dispensing Non-Prescription Medications
The undersigned, ______________________________, is parent, guardian or custodian
of _______________________________ who attends Wynona School.
If this child is injured or becomes ill at school, I hereby authorize school personnel or
_______________________________________________________________________
(Name and how this person may be reached.)
to administer non-prescription medicine to the child in the event I cannot be contacted to
give my consent to administer the medicine.
_____________________________________
Parent with legal custody or Guardian
_____________________________________
Address
_____________________________________
Phone
720..R.2
REGULATION
PARENTAL AUTHORIZATION
FOR DISPENSING PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS
Wynona Public Schools
Parental Authorization for Dispensing Prescription Medications
I, ______________________________, am the parent with legal custody or the legal guardian of ________________________________, a student attending __________________________School. If this student requires medication at intervals during the school day, I hereby give my consent and authorize the school authorities to
_____ Administer a non-prescription medicine which I am hereby supplying you. The
medicine is to be administered in accordance with attached written instructions
from the child's physician.
_____ Administer a filled prescription medication which I am hereby supplying you. The medicine is to be administered in accordance with the instructions on the label.
_____ Administer a filled prescription medication which I am hereby supplying you.
The medicine is to be administered in accordance with attached, written instructions from the physician.
I understand that under state law, the board, the school district, or employees of the district shall not be liable to the student or the student's parent or guardian for civil damages for any personal injuries to the student which result from acts or omissions of school employees in administering the medicine I have hereby authorized.
__________________________________
Parent with legal custody or Guardian
__________________________________
Address
__________________________________
Telephone
_______________________________
Witness (Name Printed and Signed)
WYNONA PUBLIC SCHOOLS
LOG FOR DISPENSING MEDICINE
School Year _________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Date & Time Name of Student Name of Person Who Name of Dosage
Medicine Administered Medicine Medicine
Administered ___________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
720.1
Student Self-Administration of Inhaled Asthma Medication
and anaphylaxis medication
Pursuant to 70 O.S. § 1-116.3, the Board of Education of the Wynona School District permits students to self-administer inhaled asthma medication and anaphylaxis medication in accordance with the following conditions and guidelines:
Definitions:
1. “Medication” means a metered dose inhaler or a dry powder inhaler to alleviate asthmatic symptoms, prescribed by a physician and having an individual label; or an anaphylaxis medication used to treat anaphylaxis, including but not limited to epinephrine injectors, prescribed by a physician and having an individual label.
2. “Self-administration” means a student’s use of medication pursuant to prescription or written direction from a physician.
Requirements for Parents and Students:
1. Permission granted by this policy for self-administration of inhaled asthma medication or anaphylaxis medication is effective only for the school year in which it is granted. Permission shall be renewed each subsequent school year only upon fulfillment of the requirements of this policy.
2. The parent or legal guardian of the student must authorize in writing permission for the student’s self-administration of inhaled asthma medication or anaphylaxis medication. Such written permission shall include the following:
a. Permission statement authorizing the student to self-administer inhaled asthma medication or anaphylaxis medication.
b. A written statement from the student’s physician stating that the student has asthma or anaphylaxis and is capable of, and has been instructed in, the proper method of self-administration of the medication.
c. Acknowledgement from the student’s parent or legal guardian that the District and its employees and agents shall incur no liability as a result of any injury arising from the student’s self-administration of asthma medication or anaphylaxis medication and acknowledgement that the District has provided this information in writing to the parent or legal guardian.
3. Prior to the District granting permission for the student to self-administer inhaled asthma medication or anaphylaxis medication, the parent or legal guardian of the student is required to provide the school an emergency supply of the student’s medication to be administered in accordance with the provisions of District Policy 720, Dispensing Medications. The parent or legal guardian shall agree in writing to the conditions and regulations set forth in that Policy.
A student who has been granted permission by the District to self-administer inhaled asthma medication or anaphylaxis medication pursuant to this Policy shall be permitted to possess and use a prescribed inhaler or anaphylaxis medication, including but not limited to an epinephrine injector, at all times.
720.1..R1
REGULATION
PARENTAL AUTHORIZATION FOR STUDENT SELF-ADMINISTRATION
OF ANAPHYLAXIS MEDICATION
The undersigned, , (“Parent”) is the parent or
legal guardian of , (“Student”) who attends
Wynona School.
By Parent’s signature below, Parent understands and agrees to the following:
1. Parent hereby authorizes Student to self-administer anaphylaxis medication pursuant to the guidelines set forth in District Policy 720.1.
2. Parent has read, understands and agrees to the provisions and regulations of District Policy 720.1, Student Self-Administration of Anaphylaxis Medication, and understands that violation of the terms and conditions set forth in that Policy by either Student or Parent may result in revocation of Student’s permission to self-administer anaphylaxis medication at school.
3. Parent has provided to the District a written statement from Student’s physician indicating that Student has anaphylaxis and is capable of, and has been instructed in the proper method of, self-administration of anaphylaxis medication.
4. Parent acknowledges the following statement:
“The District, its employees and agents shall incur no liability as a result of any injury arising from the self-administration of medication by the student.”
5. Parent has read, understands and agrees to the provisions and regulations of District Policy 720, Dispensing Medications, and understands that violation of the terms and conditions set forth in that Policy by either Student or Parent may result in revocation of Student’s permission to self-administer anaphylaxis medication at school.
6. Parent has been given a copy of District Policy 720.1, Student Self-Administration of Inhaled Asthma Medication and Anaphylaxis Medication; a copy of District Policy 720, Dispensing Medication and any accompanying signed forms; and a copy of this signed Parental Authorization form.
Signature of Parent or Legal Guardian
Date
721
DEALING WITH COMMUNICABLE DISEASE
HIV AND HEPATITIS B
Wynona Board of Education is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for employees and students. School personnel shall cooperate with public health authorities to promote these goals. Public health regulations shall be supported and enforced.
Students suspected of having any communicable disease, or living with persons thus affected, shall not be permitted to remain in school unless specially authorized by the local department of health or a local doctor. In all cases school officials shall be governed by the orders of the local health or doctor or by the county nurse or the State Board of Health.
Each case of a disease that is communicable or venereal and reportable will be handled with confidentiality and nondiscrimination. Examples of such diseases may include, but are not limited to hepatitis, syphilis, gonorrhea, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
Confidentiality Written consent is required when a person has a communicable or venereal and reportable disease for information to be released to another person or agency. The person giving written consent shall be informed in writing as to whom or what organization information may be given. That person or that person's legal guardian can only give written consent. If the individual is a minor, written consent of a parent or legal guardian is required.
All health records, notes and other documents that reference a person’s communicable or venereal and reportable disease status will be kept locked. Access to these confidential records is limited to those named in the written consent statement. Information regarding communicable or venereal and reportable disease status will not be added to a student’s or an employee’s records that can be accessed by personnel not named in the written consent statement.
Violation of medical privacy is cause for disciplinary action, criminal prosecution and/or personal liability for a civil suit. School personnel shall strive to maintain a respectful school climate and shall promote an environment that does not allow physical or verbal harassment of any individual or group by another individual or group.
Educational Placement Any decision regarding the student's educational status shall be based upon the best medical information available. If informed written consent is given by the parent or legal guardian, the superintendent or his/her designated school personnel, community professionals, if applicable, and the student's doctor shall meet and confer to determine the extent to which reasonable accommodation of the student's education can be achieved.
School authorities shall determine the educational placement of a student known to be infected with a communicable or venereal and reportable disease on a case-by-case basis by following established policies and regulations for students with chronic health problems or students with disabilities. Educational placement will be reassessed if there is a change in the student’s need for accommodations or services.
Non Discrimination of Persons with HIV and AIDS Evidence is overwhelming that the risk of transmitting human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is extremely low in school settings when district policies and regulations are followed. The presence of people living with HIV infection or diagnosed with acquired immunodeficiency virus (AIDS) poses no significant risk to others in school, child care, or school athletic settings.
A student with HIV/AIDS has the same right to attend school and receive services as any other student and will be subject to the same policies and regulations. HIV infection shall not factor into decisions concerning class assignments, privileges, or participation in any school sponsored activity.
An employee with HIV/AIDS has a right to work and receive services as any other employee and will be subject to the same policies and regulations. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, an employee with HIV infection may continue working as long as he/she is able to perform the essential functions of the position, with reasonable accommodation, if necessary.
Privacy rights shall be respected. Neither students nor school personnel are required to disclose HIV infection status to anyone in the educational system. HIV testing is not required for any purpose.
References: HB 1012, Section 4, 1991
National School Boards Association, Someone at School
Has AIDS: A Complete Guide to Education Policies Concerning
HIV Infection, 1996
721..R.1
REGULATION
PROVIDING FIRST AID
AND HANDLING BODY FLUIDS
General
The body fluids of all people should be considered to contain potentially infectious agents (germs: bacteria or viruses). The term “body fluids” includes blood, semen, drainage from scrapes and cuts, feces, urine, vomit respiratory secretions (such as nasal discharge). Diseases such as hepatitis, shigella, salmonella and AIDS are transmitted through body fluids. The following guidelines are established for the protection of all personnel.
Hand Washing Procedure
Hand washing is the most important way to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Hands should be washed frequently during the day -- always before eating, after going to the restroom, after any dirty cleaning job and particularly after providing first aid or cleaning up body fluids whether you touched the fluids or not.
1. Use liquid soap and water with vigorous washing under a stream of running water for about 10 seconds.
2. Dry hands thoroughly with a paper towel. Use the paper towel to turn off the faucet. Discard the towel in the proper container.
3. Use hand lotion as needed. Dry, cracked hands leave openings in the skin for bacteria to enter.
Providing First Aid
1. Wear disposable latex gloves to clean wounds that produce an oozing of blood or drainage.
2. Use liquid soap and water to wash wounds.
3. Do not touch the contaminated glove to any surface. Grasp the glove by the cuff and turn it inside out as you remove it from your hand. Wash your hands with liquid soap and water.
4. Have custodians place a plastic bag liner in all trash cans that contain refuse from first aid. It should be changed daily and sealed tightly before disposal.
5. Do not use re-usable plastic gloves for handling body fluids. It is impossible to clean then sufficiently to prevent the transmission of bacteria.
6. If you have any questions concerning the proper handling of body fluids during the administration of first aid, contact your school nurse.
Cleaning Spilled Body Fluids
1. Put on disposable latex gloves.
2. Pour sanitary absorbent on the fluid. Allow a few minutes to absorb the liquid.
3. Vacuum or sweep up the absorbent.
4. The vacuum bag or sweepings should be disposed of in a plastic bag. Brooms or dustpans should be rinsed in a disinfectant made of one cup of bleach to one gallon of water. No special handling is required for the vacuuming equipment.
5. Grasp each glove by its cuff and turn it inside out as you remove it from you hand. Discard the gloves in a plastic bag lined trash can. Seal tightly before disposal.
6. Wash your hands with liquid soap and water.
Disinfection of Hard Surfaces
1. Put on disposable latex gloves.
2. Remove soil and apply a disinfectant (one cup of bleach to one gallon of water). This disinfectant must be freshly prepared for each use.
3. Soak mops in disinfectant after use and rinse thoroughly.
4. Discard disposable cleaning equipment in a plastic bag. Contaminated water should be flushed down the toilet.
5. Non-disposable cleaning equipment should be thoroughly rinsed in disinfectant.
6. Pour used disinfectant solution promptly down a drain pipe.
7. Wear plastic gloves to clean toilets and urinals.
8. Remove gloves and discard in plastic bag.
9. Wash your hands with liquid soap and water.
Disinfection of Rugs
1. Put on disposable, latex gloves.
2. Apply sanitary absorbent, let it dry and vacuum.
3. Apply a germicidal rug shampoo with a brush and vacuum again. If necessary, wash vacuum brush with soap and water.
4. Discard gloves. Wash your hands with liquid soap and water.
Laundering Clothing Soiled with Body Fluids
1. Wash items separately from other clothing. Pre-soak if heavily soiled.
2. Wash in hot soap and water. Add one-half cup of bleach to the wash cycle. If articles are not colorfast, add one-half cup of non-Clorox bleach to the wash cycle.
3. Discard gloves. Wash hands with liquid soap and water.
722
DEALING WITH HEAD LICE
AND OTHER CONTAGIOUS DISEASES
Wynona Board of Education believes that any student with a contagious disease should not attend school until he or she is free from the contagious disease. Contagious diseases include, but are not limited to, head lice, scabies, impetigo, strep throat and fifth’s disease.
Any student prohibited from attending school due to head lice shall present to the appropriate school authority, before the student may reenter school, certification from a health professional or an authorized representative of the State Department of Health that the child is no longer afflicted with head lice/nits/egg cases.
722..R.1
REGULATION
HEAD LICE
The following procedures shall be followed for the detection and prevention of the spread of head lice.
Any child who is determined to be afflicted with a contagious disease, as currently defined by the Oklahoma Department of Health, or with Head Lice (eggs included) shall be prohibited from attending school, and will be sent home, until a health official has determined that the child is free of head lice and nits or the contagious disease or that the disease is no longer contagious.
1. Periodic screenings shall be conducted of students for the detection of head lice.
2. If head lice are found, a note will be sent to the parent or guardian of the student. The student is to be sent home as soon as possible. If a parent or guardian cannot come to the school to take the student home, the student should be sent home at the end of the school day with a copy of the letter of explanation to parents.
3. The student must be treated with a head lice shampoo before re-entry to school. Although students may return to school, infested students must be treated again in seven to ten days.
4. If the student is found to be inadequately treated, the student shall not be readmitted to school until treatment is initiated and the student is found to be free of crawling forms of lice and eggs (nits). Students shall be readmitted to school with a certificate from a health professional that said child is no longer afflicted with head lice. The criteria for readmission after the initial treatment shall be absence of crawling forms and eggs (nits) and evidence of a recent shampoo.
722..R.2
REGULATION
HEAD LICE--EDUCATION AND TREATMENT
Once head lice have been detected, parents and guardians need to learn that treatment with a heal lice medication is not sufficient to control the infestation. These rules need to be followed:
1. Both the infested individual and their personal articles (caps, combs, brushes, towels, bedding, etc.) should be thoroughly cleaned with hot water and soap when possible.
2. Machine wash all washable clothing and bed linens that have been in contact with the infested individual during the last 48 hours.
3. Personal articles that cannot be washed may be dry-cleaned or placed in a plastic bag and sealed for a period of ten (10) days.
4. Soak combs and brushes for an hour in a 2% Lysol solution, or put them in a pan of water on the stove and heat to 125 degrees for five to ten minutes. Caution: heating may damage the comb or brush.
5. Cleaning of the house and other rooms inhabited by infested persons should be limited to thorough vacuuming. The effectiveness of pediculicide sprays has not been proven. Fumigation of the home is not recommended.
6. Apply a pediculicide (medicated shampoo according to package directions) to the hair of the infested individual.
7. Comb the hair thoroughly with a fine-toothed comb to remove all dead lice and nits. To make combing easier, it may be helpful to apply a creme rinse or one-half vinegar/one-half water solution after shampooing.
8. Have the person put on clean clothing after treatment.
9. Repeat the treatment in seven to ten days to kill newly hatched lice.
10. All family members or other close contacts must be examined for the presence of lice and nits and treated, if indicated, at the same time as the affected individual.
722..R.3
REGULATION
NOTIFICATION TO PARENTS
CONCERNING HEAD LICE
Wynona Public Schools
Date ____________________ To the Parents of _____________________________
Your child, ____________________________ , has been determined to have contacted head lice. To prevent the spread of this infection to other students in our school, we require a written statement from either the County Health Department, from your family physician or our school nurse confirming that your child is lice/nit free. Please give the statement to your child's teacher or the superintendent when he/she returns to school.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
_________________________________
Administrator
723
STUDENTS WITH DIABETES
In accordance with state law (70 O.S. §§ 1210.196.1 through 1210.196.9):
Diabetes Medical Management Plans –Upon the District’s receipt of notification from the parent or guardian that their child is diabetic, the District shall work with students who have diabetes and their parents to develop a Diabetes Medical Management Plan (the “Plan”) for such students who will seek care for diabetes while at school or participating in school activities.
The Plan shall be developed by the personal health care team for the affected student. Such team is to be composed of:
· The principal or designee;
· School nurse (if the District has a school nurse on staff);
· Parent/guardian of the student;
· Student’s physician (to the extent the physician is able/willing to participate).
In the absence of a school nurse, the District shall make effort to seek out school employees to volunteer to assist with the Plan in the capacity of volunteer diabetes care assistants. Any such volunteers shall receive training prior to becoming a volunteer. The State Department of Health shall develop guidelines for such training.
Diabetes Self-Management and Care – In accordance with each student’s Plan as described above, the District shall allow the diabetic student to self-manage and care for the student’s diabetes, which may include the following:
· Performing blood glucose checks;
· Administering insulin;
· Treating hypo- and hyperglycemia;
· Possession by the student of necessary supplies/equipment for diabetes monitoring and care; and
· Attending to the student’s diabetes management and care in the school buildings, on school grounds, or at school-related activities in areas the District shall deem appropriate and safe.
Diabetes Information Sheets – With the permission of the parent of a student with diabetes, the District shall provide to each school employee providing transportation to the student with diabetes or supervising a student with diabetes an information sheet:
· Identifying the student with diabetes;
· Identifying potential emergencies and appropriate responses thereto with regard to students with diabetes; and
· Containing an emergency contact telephone number for said student.
724
JUVENILE SEX OFFENDERS
A student attending school in the District who has been adjudicated as a juvenile offender for any offense subject to the Juvenile Sex Offender Registration Act (10 O.S. §§ 7308-1.1 through 7308-1.13) committed upon a student also attending school in the District shall, upon request by the victim, be separated—both at school and during school transportation—from the victim and the victim’s sibling(s).
The juvenile bureau (in counties where applicable) or the Office of Juvenile Affairs (in all other counties) shall be responsible for notifying the District of such adjudication. Upon receipt of notification, the District shall notify the parent/guardian of the victim of their right to request separation from the offender.
The victim shall have 30 calendar days to notify the District, in writing, that the victim wishes to be separated from the offender. Upon receipt of such written notice, the District shall take appropriate action to separate the victim and victim’s sibling(s) from the offender.
The offender shall be allowed by the District to be placed in another school within the district not attended by the victim or sibling(s). If there is not another school within the district, the offender shall be required to transfer to another district pursuant to the Open Transfer Act. Recommendation for placement of an offender on an IEP shall be governed by the offender’s IEP team pursuant to federal law.
Arrangement for and provision of transportation to/from school and school activities and any costs associated therewith as a consequence of this prohibition shall be the sole responsibility of the offender. The District shall not charge the offender for any existing modes of transportation that can be used by the offender at no additional cost to the District.
The decision of the victim shall be final and not reversible.
725
Student Issues
1. 6th-12th grade students will be allowed to chew gum if teaches approve it in their own classrooms. If it becomes a problem, administration can revoke this privilege.
2. 9th-12th grade students will be allowed to have an off-campus lunch on Friday’s. This will be a walking privilege only. Administration can revoke if privilege becomes a problem.
3. Incentives will be awarded to students who earn the superintendent’s or principals honor rolls, Supt-$50 per semester and Principal-$25 per semester. Points will be rewarded for Reading Counts and incentives for that will be candy bar/pop from the school store.
4. Students will not be allowed to use personal iPods or mp3 players at school. If a student needs music for learning, they must check one out through their teachers.
726
Prom
Prom is open to all Wynona Public School students and their registered guests only. A student may only invite one guest who is a high school student currently enrolled in a public/private school and have administration approval before attending WPS prom. The WPS student is responsible for the proper behavior of his/her guest. Guests must be approved no later than the Thursday before the dance. All school rules apply during dances. Any student who leaves the dance early will not be permitted back on school grounds. Any WPS student under the age of 18 will have a parent/guardian contacted if the student leaves prom before the end time. Prom dates should not be over the age of 21 and/or administration shall give special consent.
All students and their guests should complete a dance contract before attending the dance.
Wynona Public School
Permission /Guest Date Form
To ensure the Prom turns out to be an evening that we all enjoy, we ask that you obey the following rules and regulations.
1. This is a Wynona Public School event and therefore all WPS policies, procedures, and regulations apply. The use of alcohol, drugs, tobacco and/or any other controlled dangerous substance before, during, or after the prom is strictly prohibited by state law as well as school policy and procedure. Anyone found in violation of this rule will be referred to the authorities and referred for school discipline on the first day of return to the school.
2. Improper behavior will result in automatic expulsion from the prom and referral for school disciplinary action.
3. The school reserves the right to withhold access to the prom to any student, but in particular to anyone who has been placed on suspension on the Friday prior to the prom or the Monday following the prom.
4. All bags and personal belongings are subject to search.
5. The administration reserves the right to deny admittance to the prom for anyone at their discretion.
6. Once you enter the prom, you may not leave until you are leaving for the evening. NO EXCEPTIONS. Once you leave you may not re-enter.
7. All prom guests must be enrolled in either Wynona Public School or another public/private school. All guests MUST have the bottom section of this form completed and signed by an administrator from their current school and returned to the office.
8. All parents/guardians will be contacted by administration if student leaves the prom early. (If student is under 18)
9. All dance styles must comply with standards of modesty and safety. The faculty and the administration in attendance will be the final judge of the appropriateness of the dance style. Inappropriate dancing is defined by any overly sexual or suggestive movements that mimic or emulate sexual acts or motions or suggestive movements that mimic or emulate sexual acts or motions or otherwise dangerous dancing. Inappropriate dancing includes, but is not limited to, the following: slam dancing, moshing, freaking, booty dancing (including prone, hip to hip, grinding, juking, and “sandwich” dancing).
All Attendees Complete This Section: Please read the above information before signing below.
I, have read and understand the rules and regulations. I agree to comply with the above rules and regulations.
Student Signature: Date:
Parent/Guardian Signature (If under 18): Date:
If under the age of 18 parents will be notified if student leaves prom before end time. Phone #:
Non-Wynona Public School Students Complete This Section: Non-Wynona Public School students must have the bottom section of this form completed and signed by an administrator form their current school and returned to WPS Thursday before the date of the prom. By signing you agree to comply with the above rules and regulations.
Guest’s Name: Guest’s Signature:
The above named student is a student in good standing.
(Please Print School Name):
Administrator Approval: Phone:
727
Extra Curricular Events Away From Campus
AWAY FUNCTIONS
Students will sit in a group and be supervised by school personnel at all times. Permission must be granted to leave the group for concession or restroom breaks. Students should observe all school rules at any school function-dress code and behaviors apply. Loud behavior will not be tolerated. Parents may sit with the group if they wish to sit with their student.
Students will be separated on the bus by gender.
AT HOME FUNCTIONS
Students will observe all school rules. Students should be supervised by their parents or adult if under 9 years of age. Loitering in the hall will not be allowed. No running, horseplay or loud voices will tolerated. Sportsman like conduct will be expected at all times.
728
Incentives
Off campus lunch for high school:
One week with all of the below, earns the next week off campus lunch:
NO TARDIES
PASSING GRADES
NO MISSING ASSIGNMENTS
NO DISCIPLINE ISSUES
Off campus lunches are pedestrian only! Absolutely no riding in cars at this time.
Students may go home for lunch but no other student is allowed to go to a home where they do not reside.
7th & 8th grades will be allowed Friday off campus if they have met the above criteria for the previous week.
ADMINISTRATION HAS THE RIGHT TO REVOKE THIS PRIVILEGE FOR ANY STUDENT!
2 Semesters of achieving the superintendent’s honor roll will be awarded $50
2 semesters of achieving the principal’s honor roll will be awarded $25
$25 per semester will be awarded for students with perfect attendance payable at the end of each semester.