Handbooks

The administration and faculty welcome you to the 2024-25 school year! We hope you had an enjoyable summer.

During the next nine months, you will be offered an opportunity to continue your intellectual, social and physical development. We wish to help you in this very important part of your life and want you to be successful!

The information in this handbook is provided to help everyone understand the expectations and procedures necessary to make our school an enjoyable and productive place to learn and grow. We expect you to:

1. Make good choices in all you do each day. Accept responsibility for your choices and consider there are consequences, both good and bad, for all choices you make.
2. Make a difference by leaving things better than you found them. Influence people around you in a positive manner, and always take care of school property.
3. Always give your best effort in your classwork and homework.

We have an exciting year ahead of us! If we can be of assistance in any way, please let us know.

The Raptor visitor management system is a web–based software application that has been developed to aid in tracking visitors to schools. Raptor utilizes available public databases to help control campus security by checking all visitors against national sexual offender databases. It will allow schools to produce visitor badges and monitor volunteer hours. Our goal is to make our campuses as safe as possible for our students. The following procedures will apply to all visitors in the Petal School District.

Visitor Management Procedures

1. The visitor must produce photo identification. This can be a state ID, driver's license, military ID, U.S. Passport card or Mexican consulate card. The identification will be scanned through the Raptor system.
2. School officials verify scan results and the nature of the visit. If the result is negative the visitor will be allowed appropriate access and receive a visitor badge that is printed with their picture. Their identification will be held until they return to the office to exit and ensure they are properly checked out of the Raptor system.
3. If a positive match for a sex offender is confirmed, a silent alarm will be sent. The School Resource Officer and school administration will be alerted of a possible sex offender at the school. The school official conducting the visitor check will ask the visitor to have a seat until the school administration speaks to them. If the visitor asks for his/her ID back and asks to leave, the school will comply with this request.

If a campus is conducting a special event, visitors entering the school may not have to go through the Raptor scan procedure. A special procedure will be in place for this type of event.

For the safety of our students, all parents and visitors are expected to honor the signs posted on the entrance doors and check in at the office. Parents and visitors who request to go to a classroom must sign in at the office and obtain a pass before entering a classroom. Teachers have been instructed not to allow anyone without a pass access to their classroom. Visitors to the campus are advised that the visit may be recorded by a surveillance camera. Visitors are not allowed on the playground.

To minimize disruption and to protect instructional opportunities, parents and visitors are not allowed to accompany students to class during morning arrival time. Duty teachers will be available to escort students to their appropriate classes if needed. If a parent or visitor needs to speak to a teacher, a message may be left in the office and the teacher will make contact at an appropriate time. If there is an urgent concern, the parent may request to speak to the principal.

There is an organized program for parent/community volunteers to assist in the school. Participation is encouraged and needed. All volunteers must attend an annual training session offered by the schools. Volunteers should be dressed appropriately so that his or her appearance does not distract from the school environment. In all instances, the appropriateness or inappropriateness of dress will be determined by school administrators.

The time a principal spends in the classrooms is one of the key indicators for a successful school. The principal or assistant principal may not always be available due to classroom observations unless an appointment has been scheduled.

The Petal School District provides a process for the resolving of complaints and grievances. The Board realizes that there may be conditions in the school system that need improvement and that students should have some means to effectively express their concerns which will be considered and handled with fairness. Students’ complaints and grievances shall be resolved through orderly processes and at the lowest possible level. However, the Board shall provide channels for eventual hearing, should circumstances dictate. A detailed description of the process for handling complaints and grievances can be found in section JCAA of the School Board Policy Manual. Copies of this manual can be found on the Petal School District website.

All complaints and requests from staff, students and/or members of the public should be addressed to the appropriate person involved in the order listed below. If a resolution cannot be reached, the request/complaint should then move to the next level.

1. Teacher/Coach-via School Status or district email
2. Principal/Director
3. District office administrator
4. Superintendent
5. School board

Students are expected to present a clean, neat and well-groomed appearance at school. It is the responsibility of parents and guardians to ensure their child is properly attired for school. The administration reserves the right to make the final decision concerning the appropriateness of clothing and overall appearance at school.

DRESS CODE (PreK-6)

Recognizing first impressions are important and people are generally more at ease and function better when dressed appropriately, the following guidelines for dress have been established. The emphasis is on cleanliness and neatness. Students could be restricted from attending classes if their attire or appearance is deemed inappropriate by the administrator. In such cases, parents may be contacted to address the issues related to attire or appearance. If the parent/guardian cannot be reached, the student could be removed from regular classes and be assigned to an alternative location until the issue is resolved. The student may be placed on the appropriate step of the discipline ladder.

The school’s administration reserves the right to make any decision necessary for the best interest of the students and which will protect the image of the school and community. Exceptions to the dress code may be made for school-sponsored days such as Read Across America, Hat Day, Red Ribbon Week and other days as designated by the administration.

This dress code outlines the only acceptable form of attire approved to be worn by students in this district. Every component of the student attire should be appropriate in length and/or size.

Appropriate is defined as that which properly covers the body and which is in good taste.

Polo and Button-up Shirts

• Should be solid Petal red, white, black or gray
• All visible emblems, trademarks and/or logos must be white, red, gray or black.
• All shirts must have sleeves.
• Shirts must be buttoned high enough so that no cleavage can be seen.
• Shirts and tops must always touch the waist of pants/skirts (i.e., when in movement, when arms are extended or raised and when in a seated position, etc.)

Petal Spirit T-Shirts

• Must be a Petal school logo/design with solid Petal red, white, black or gray.
• Designs and print must be white, Petal red, gray or black.
• Can be v-neck or crew neck.
• All shirts must have sleeves.
• Shirt collar must be high enough so that no cleavage can be seen.
• Shirts and tops must always touch the waist of pants/skirts/shorts (i.e., when in movement, when arms are extended or raised and when in a seated position, etc.)

Pullovers, Sweatshirts, Hoodies, Sweaters, Rain Jackets and Lightweight Jackets 

• Must be Petal red, white, black or gray
• All visible emblems, trademarks, and/or logos must be white, black, red, navy or gray and be position-neutral.

Bottoms

• Must be solid khaki (tan), navy, gray or black
• Must be worn securely around the waist
• Pants should not be the same color as the top (i.e., black shirt should not be worn with black pants, etc.)
• No athletic shorts, leggings as pants, sweatpants, blue jeans/denim or other bottoms deemed inappropriate by administration.
• Jumpers/Polo dresses are allowed PreK-6. They must meet all other dress code requirements. 

Winter Coats

• Coats must be removed when a student enters the building.
• No trench coat style

Shoes and Accessories

• Proper shoes must be always worn at all times (i.e., no slippers, lights, wheels, sounds or other interactive features.)
• No head coverings wider than two inches, ex. hoods, bandanas, hats, caps, visors, do-rags or skull caps.
• No disruptive or distracting hairstyles or accessories
• Piercings are limited to the ears
• No inappropriate tattoos (weapons, drugs, alcohol-related, etc.)
• Accessories should be position neutral and should not pose a safety hazard.

In all instances, the appropriateness or inappropriateness of school dress will be determined by school administrators. Incentive dress days may occur. On these days, students should adhere to dress code length requirements and other expectations for the described attire.

Personal Belongings

All personal belongings such as coats, sweaters and book bags should be labeled with the student's name. Students should not bring any valuable personal items. The student assumes responsibility for ensuring the item is not lost, damaged or stolen.

Cell phones, smart watches or any other electronic devices are prohibited during the school day. The Petal School District, its faculty and staff are not responsible for any damaged, missing or stolen electronic device. If a student has a device and it is damaged or stolen, schools will not utilize administrative time to investigate the incident, nor will the district or school take any financial responsibility for the device. If a student brings a prohibited item to school, the device may be confiscated by the teacher and/or principal. A parent/guardian must come to the school to retrieve any confiscated items. Any item not retrieved by parents by the end of the school year could be discarded. Disciplinary action may be taken at the discretion of the administrator.

Students may not take pictures or film other students, faculty or staff on school grounds, on the buses, or at school activities or post videos or pictures of other students, faculty or staff on the internet without administrative approval.

GRADING SYSTEM

During the nine-week term, tests and other means are used by teachers to measure the progress students have made in various subjects. The grades given at the end of each nine weeks indicate the kind of work a student is doing. Assessments will count for 65% of the term grade. Progress checks or daily grades will count for 35% of the term grade.

GRADE SCALE

• A- 90 to 100
• B- 80 to 89
• C- 70 to 79
• D- 65 to 69
• F- 64 and below = failure

HONOR ROLL

Honor roll is determined by the end-of-term grades a student has earned. The Superintendent’s Honor Roll is awarded to students earning all A’s for the final average of the term in each subject. The Principal’s Honor Roll is awarded to students earning A’s and/or B’s for the final average of the term in each subject.

PARENT CONFERENCES, REPORT CARDS and PROGRESS REPORTS

One of the best ways to learn about a child’s progress is by talking with the teacher. A parent-teacher conference early in the year helps to set the plan for the child’s school year. Parents/guardians should not wait until problems develop. Parents/guardians should call the school office, contact the teacher via School Status or district email or send a note to plan for a conference.

Parent/guardian-teacher conferences are encouraged. The purpose of parent-teacher conferences is to foster communication between the school and parents/guardians relative to the student’s development. In the event a parent/guardian desires to meet with his/her student's teacher(s), the following procedure should be followed:

1. Parents/guardians should contact the school to set up a time convenient for both parties.
2. Parents/guardians should state the nature and purpose of the conference at the time the appointment is made. This will ensure the teacher has the appropriate information needed to answer parent/guardian concerns.
3. Parent/guardian-teacher conferences are confidential and should address the individual needs of the student.

Report cards for the first, second and third terms will be sent home with students. Report cards for the fourth nine weeks will be mailed. Progress reports will be sent home during the fifth week of each grading period. Access to daily grades is available through ActiveParent for grades PreK-12. For information on enrolling in the service, please contact the school office.

HOMEWORK

Students must develop good study habits and organizational skills to be academically successful. Homework is assigned to reinforce what has been taught at school. Special projects may require additional time. Contact your student's teacher if you have questions regarding your student's daily assignments.

STUDENT RETENTION

The faculty and staff of PPS, PES and PUES work diligently to ensure the success of all students. However, there may be instances when a student needs to be retained for academic reasons. If this is the case, the parents will be notified of retention promptly.

Retention may occur for a kindergarten student only after there is

1. a strong recommendation from the teacher recommending retention;
2. a discussion with and an agreement of the principal and/or other support personnel that retention is the best course of action; and
3. a conference with the parent that ends with agreement from the parent that the child may be retained in kindergarten.

Retention may occur for a student in first through sixth grade after there is

1. documented evidence of lack of academic success (failure of an academic course-see grading scale above);
2. a strong recommendation for retention from the teacher;
3. a discussion with and an agreement of the principal and/or other support personnel that retention is the best course of action; and
4. a conference with the parent outlining the reasons the student will be retained.

Beginning with first grade, retention is an educational decision based on the student’s academic standing in the classroom. The final decision to retain a student will be made by the principal, teacher and Teacher Support Team.

TESTING

The results of tests are used to identify student weaknesses and needs, as well as to determine the school’s area of weakness. When these needs are identified, plans can be made to meet the needs of the students and the school. The school prohibits the possession and/or use of any electronic communication device, including cell phones and personal digital assistant devices during the administration of scheduled statewide tests.

To meet college and career readiness benchmarks, Petal School District students are required to take tests deemed necessary by the state and/or district. Examples, not inclusive, are NWEA, STAR, STAR Early Literacy, unit tests, nine weeks tests, state assessments, etc. Some assessments are paper/pencil and others are computer-based.

DYSLEXIA SCREENING

All compulsory school-age children will be screened for Dyslexia during the spring of kindergarten and the fall of first grade and other appropriate times as deemed necessary. If a student fails the screener, the parent or legal guardian will be notified of the results of the screener. A parent or legal guardian of a student who fails the dyslexia screener may exercise the option to have an evaluation administered by any licensed professional.

LITERACY BASED PROMOTION ACT

In compliance with the “Literacy Based Promotion Act,” it is the intent of this school district to improve the reading skills of Kindergarten-Third Grade students so that every student completing the Third Grade is able to read at or above grade level.

This district shall comply with all requirements of the Act, including, but not limited to:
 

3rd Grade Reading Summative Assessment – Beginning in the 2018-19 school year, if a student's reading deficiency is not remedied by the end of the student's third grade year, as demonstrated by the student scoring above the lowest two achievement levels in reading on the state annual accountability assessment or on an approved alternative standardized assessment for third grade, the student shall not be promoted to fourth grade. 

Social Promotion – A student may not be assigned a grade level based solely on age or any other factor that constitutes social promotion.

Public School Requirements

If a K-three student has been identified with a substantial deficit in reading, the teacher will immediately, and with each quarterly progress report, notify parents or legal guardians of the following in writing:

• Determination of a substantial deficit in reading;
• Description of student services and supports presently provided;
• Description of proposed supplemental instruction and support to remediate the student’s deficit areas;
• Strategies for parents to use to help students at home; and,
• Notification that student will not be promoted to fourth grade if reading deficiency cannot be remediated by the end of third grade

The school will provide intensive reading instruction and immediate intervention to each K-three student who exhibits a substantial deficiency in reading at any time.

The intensive reading instruction and intervention must be documented for each student

Grades K-three in an individual reading plan, including, at a minimum, the following:

1. The student’s specific, diagnosed reading skill deficiencies as determined (or identified) by diagnostic assessment data;
2. The goals and benchmarks for growth;
3. How progress will be monitored and evaluated;
4. The type of additional instruction services and interventions the student will receive;
5. The research-based reading instructional programming the teacher will use to provide reading instruction, addressing the areas of phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension;
6. The strategies the student’s parent is encouraged to use in assisting the student to achieve reading competency; and,
7. Any additional services the teacher deems available and appropriate to accelerate the student’s reading skill development.

Good Cause Exemptions

A third grade student who fails to meet the academic requirements for promotion to the fourth grade may be promoted for good cause:

1. Limited English Proficient students who have had less than two years of instruction in English Language Learner program;
2. Students with disabilities whose Individualized Education Program (IEP) indicates that participation in the statewide accountability assessment program is not appropriate, as authorized under state law;
3. Students with a disability who participate in the state annual accountability assessment and who have an IEP or Section 504 plan that reflects that the student has received intense remediation in reading for two years but still demonstrates a deficiency in reading or was previously retained in Kindergarten or First, Second or Third grade;
4. Students who demonstrate an acceptable level of reading proficiency on an alternative assessment approved by the State Board of Education; and
5. Students who have received intensive intervention for two or more years but still demonstrate a deficiency in reading, and who previously were retained in kindergarten or first, second or third grade for a total of two years and have not met exceptional education criteria.

PARENT-TEACHER ORGANIZATIONS

Close cooperation between home and school is fostered by the parent-teacher groups at each school. Parents and teachers are encouraged to join these organizations and attend meetings.

SHARED DECISION-MAKING COUNCIL

The Petal School District Plan provides for an Advisory Council at the district level and at each school level. These councils are composed of parents, students, teachers, support staff, at large community representatives, and administrators. The purpose of the council is to provide input into the decision making process. Anyone interested in serving on one of these councils may contact one of the schools or the district Central Office for an application.

SCHOOL COUNSELING SERVICES

The school counselor is available to help students have a successful year. The counselor works with parents, students and teachers to provide services aimed at helping children learn and develop to their highest potential. Some of the services in the school counseling program are groups to help students interact with others, individual sessions to help students adjust to school, classroom lessons to promote social, career and educational development and conferences with the parents to help them learn about their child’s progress in school.

Students may request to see the counselor or they may be referred by teachers or parents.

MULTI-TIERED SYSTEM OF SUPPORT

A three-tier model of instruction was designed by the Mississippi Department of Education to meet the needs of every student. The model consists of three tiers of instruction.

• Tier One: Quality classroom instruction based on the Mississippi College and Career Ready Standards and the MS Curriculum Frameworks
• Tier Two: Focused supplemental instruction
• Tier Three: Intensive interventions specifically designed to meet the individual needs of students.

The model is a prevention model that is aimed at identifying students early and providing the support students need throughout their years of schooling. Teachers use progress monitoring information to determine if students are making adequate progress through the year. If strategies at Tiers One and Two are unsuccessful, students must be referred to the Teacher Support Team (TST.) The TST is the problem-solving unit responsible for interventions developed at Tier Three. In addition to failure to make adequate progress following Tiers One and Two, students will also automatically be referred to the TST for interventions if they have failed two grades, had excessive absences during the prior school year or have been suspended or expelled for more than twenty school days in the current school year.

CHILD FIND

Child Find is a process required by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to identify, locate and evaluate all children from birth-21 years of age who may have disabilities and may need early intervention or special education services. It is an ongoing process of public awareness activities and evaluations to ensure children with special needs can receive the help they need to succeed as early as possible.

Anyone concerned about a child’s speech, learning, behavior or development can make a Child Find request. A multidisciplinary evaluation team will meet with the family within 14 days to decide if an evaluation is needed. If so, written permission from the student's parent is required before an evaluation is conducted.

A multidisciplinary evaluation will involve a series of observations and tests with the child and interviews with caregivers conducted by two or more specialists such as a speech-language pathologist, psychometrist or special educator. A written summary of this evaluation will be provided to the family and a meeting will be held to determine if the child needs special services.

For more information, contact the Petal School District Director of Special Services, at 601.582.4247.

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Extracurricular activities are offered in the Petal Schools and it is designed to appeal to the interest of as many students as possible. Any student interested in an extracurricular activity needs to contact the sponsor of that activity.

Students shall not be promoted or retained solely for the purpose of extracurricular participation. Additionally, any student who meets promotional requirements at the end of the school year but is retained in the same grade shall be ineligible for extracurricular participation one year. A student becomes ineligible academically when their grade point average drops below a 2.0 at the end of a semester.

Sponsors will constantly check with all teachers to determine the eligibility of students to participate in their programs. All contests will be regulated by the rules of the Mississippi High School Activities Association, Inc. To be eligible for participation in athletics, band, color guard, robotics, or other extra curricular activities a student must meet the following minimum requirements at the end of a semester and at the end of the year. The pupil is eligible for the next succeeding semester if:

1. Students maintain a grade point average of at least 2.0 or a C average. This will be measured at the conclusion of the first semester using the semester averages of all the courses the student is taking. Students who do not have a 2.0 or a C average for the first semester will be ineligible for the second semester.
2. At the end of the school year, each student’s grade point average for the year will be assessed. This assessment will reflect the average for the entire year using the final grades for each course. If the student does not have a grade point average of at least 2.0 or a C average, he/she will become ineligible for the fall semester.

Special education students will be academically eligible if they are making satisfactory progress according to the committees reviewing their Individual Education Plans (IEP).

The goal of the child nutrition program is to provide nutritious meals to all students daily at an economical price. Free and reduced meal programs are provided for eligible students. The Family Free and Reduced-Price Meal Application, only one form per family to be completed each year, is utilized in the Petal School District. Additional information regarding these programs may be obtained at the Child Nutrition Office at 601.545.3020.

Breakfast and lunch are available at all cafeterias. A variety of menu items are offered daily to encourage students to make healthy choices. The regulation that allows students to choose less than all the food offered is known as “offered vs. served.” A minimum of three food components at breakfast and lunch must be selected by students.

Advanced payments for breakfast and lunch meals may be made for the week, month or year. The Petal School District offers automated pre-payments of meal accounts via the telephone or Internet. Parents may log onto MyPaymentsPlus for FREE or telephone 1.866.615.6503. Free registration gives you 24/7 access to:

• Student cafeteria balances and purchase history
• Prepayments for breakfast/lunch, with auto-pay capability
• Low balance e-mail reminder
• Other fees and activities

Payment for meals can't be combined with other school expenses. Payments are accepted for meals and extra sale items sold in the cafeteria. Parents may prepay for breakfast, lunch and extra sale items by the week, month or year. Returned checks are referred to a collection agency that specializes in check recovery. Inquiries regarding student account balances shall be made to the cafeteria manager. Refunds from advanced payments for students who withdraw from school will be made if a written request is submitted to the Child Nutrition Office by June 1. It is the parent’s responsibility to track the child’s nutrition account. Account balances, positive or negative, roll over at the end of each school year.

Elementary students have limited charge privileges. They are allowed to charge for the day and repay the loan the following day. Students are not allowed to charge any supplemental sale item (ice cream, juice, etc.). Parents will be contacted, if necessary, when the student borrows money excessively. If the balance reaches $15, students may not be allowed to participate in any school activities (field trips, incentives, field day, etc.) until the balance is clear or arrangements are made with the child nutrition director.

Regulations governing the federal breakfast and lunch program permit substitutions for children with special needs. A statement from a recognized medical authority supporting the student’s need and prescribed substitution shall be submitted to the child nutrition manager.

State, federal and local competitive guidelines include:

1. Prohibits the sale or delivery on campus of any food including snacks for one (1) hour before or during the regular school meal schedule. This includes sales by clubs or organizations on campus.
2. Apart from water and milk products, a student may purchase individual components of the meal only if the full meal is being purchased.
3. Students who bring lunch from home may purchase water and milk products only. 
4. Students may not bring carbonated beverages in original containers into the cafeteria.

CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAM MEAL RATES

Any student who poses a threat to the health or safety of the school community because he/she has a serious communicable disease, may be removed from school by the principal, on the approval of the superintendent, until such time the student no longer poses a threat to the general health of other students.

Students should not return to school before the return date on the doctor's excuse. Students with fever should not return to school until they have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications. If a student is sent home with a fever by the school nurse, the nurse will provide the attendance excuse with the first return date to the school’s attendance clerk. Symptomatic students will be required to wear a mask until they are picked up by a parent or leave the building. The superintendent may require masks for all students and staff if local health trends dictate the need. School personnel will follow the Mississippi Department of Health and CDC recommendations for returning to school.

PETAL HEALTH CLINIC

The Petal School District has partnered with the Southeast Mississippi Rural Health Initiative (SeMRHI) to provide students of the district with affordable and convenient health care. The Petal Health Clinic is located on Stadium Drive and can be used by any student currently enrolled. The clinic is staffed by a SeMRHI nurse practitioner and nurse and is open 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. year-round. While Medicaid, CHIP and private insurance will be billed, there is no out-of-pocket cost for any student. Students must complete a SeMRHI registration form and health history once a year. To contact the clinic, you may call 601.450.2144 or fax 601.450.2145.

SEMRHI conducts yearly health and dental screenings on each child with the parent's permission. Questions about these screenings or student enrollment in the program should be directed to the Petal Health Clinic.

BED BUGS

In general, schools are not conducive to bed bug infestations. Bed bugs prefer an environment where they can hide during the day and come out at night to feed on a sleeping host. Because bed bugs can travel in belongings, school employees are trained to identify bed bugs and the signs of bed bugs in the classroom and the student’s items. Staff will notify the school nurse and/or an administrator of suspected bed bug introduction and the designated procedures for dealing with bedbugs will be followed. If bed bugs are found or students are experiencing skin conditions that might be associated with bed bug bites, the parents of the affected student(s) will be notified. After an inspection of the affected school area, it may be necessary to investigate the student’s home setting. Parents will be provided with information about bed bugs to assist with the prevention and management of bed bugs in their homes. The student may not be allowed to attend school until proof of treatment is obtained.

HEAD LICE

The Forrest County Health Department will be notified when a child has a third occurrence of head lice. Repeated occurrences should be considered neglect and may be reported to the Forrest County Department of Human Services. Parents will be required to come for their child if live bugs are found. The student will not be allowed to attend school until proof of treatment is obtained. School-wide head lice checks will be conducted periodically.

MEDICATION PROCEDURES

• Administration of medication is foremost the responsibility of the parent/guardian. All medications that can be given outside of school hours without serious effects must be given before or after school.
• The first dose of any medication must be given at home in case there is an allergic reaction.
• School personnel/nurses are not responsible for giving missed or late home doses of medication.
• All medication that the student is receiving in the school setting will be recorded on the student’s medication record.
• Prescription and non-prescription medication will be administered only if:
  1. The appropriate school medication administration form is completed including the doctor’s signature, parent/guardian's signature, child’s name, name of medication, amount of medication needed, route of administration and time of administration.
  2. Any prescription medication that is ordered only once or twice daily must be given at home and will not be administered at school unless the school receives a letter from the physician explaining why the medication must be given at school instead of at home.
  3. Prescription medication must be in the original pharmacy container with the label that includes the student’s name, physician name, name of the medication, strength, dosage, time interval and route.
  4. Over-the-counter medications (Tylenol, Advil, cough drops, etc.) must be in an unexpired original container and all manufacturers’ labeling must be legible. All over-the-counter medications must be supplied by the parent/legal guardian. The school WILL NOT supply any medications. PLEASE NOTE: All medications to be given at school require a physician’s signature on the school form.
• Medication will not be accepted in household containers, envelopes or bags.
• Medication will not be provided by the nurse or the teacher from his/her supply.
• A new medication form must be completed and signed for each medication or change of medication order. A new form with the doctor’s orders and signature must be signed at the beginning of each school year even if the medication is continued from one year to the next.
• Students’ medications, both prescription and non-prescription, must be brought to the school by an adult. All medications and paperwork will be reviewed by the school nurse before administration of medication.
• Medications can't be transported on the school bus.
• No Petal School District employee/agent of the school will be responsible for administering any medication on field trips or school-sponsored events.
• The proper disposal of unused medications is important, and it is the responsibility of the parent to obtain all unused medication from the school when it is discontinued, the school year ends or the student transfers to another district. All medication left in the school under these conditions will be disposed of by the school nurse or delegate.
• Students may always keep their asthma inhalers/diabetic medications with them, however, the parent/guardian must meet the following requirements:

1. Provide written authorization for self-administration to the school.
2. Provide a written statement from the student’s health care provider that the student has asthma and has been instructed in self-administration of asthma medications. The statement should also contain:
   • the name and purpose of the medication;
   • the prescribed dosage;
   • the time or times the medications are to be regularly administered and under what special circumstances the medications are to be administered;
   • the length of time for which the medications are prescribed.

• The district does not allow the use of medical cannabis while on district property.

Petal School District and its employees and agents shall incur no liability because of any injury sustained by the student from the self-administration of asthma medications. Upon fulfilling the requirements of this section, a student with asthma may possess and use asthma medications when at school, at a school-sponsored activity, under the supervision of school personnel, or before and after normal school activities while on school properties including school-sponsored childcare or after-school programs.

REQUIRED IMMUNIZATIONS

For children to enter school, he/she must have the required immunizations and obtain the necessary “Certificate of Immunization Compliance | Form 121.” Students entering seventh grade must also have the required Tdap booster vaccine.

For information on required vaccinations for school entry and recommended vaccinations for all ages, visit the Mississippi Department of Health website at www.healthyMS.com or call 1.866.458.4948.

The Mississippi State Legislature has established the Office of Compulsory School Attendance Enforcement within the Mississippi Department of Education (effective July 1, 1998.) This office is responsible for the administration of a statewide system of enforcement of the Mississippi Compulsory School Attendance Law.

The “Compulsory-School-Age Child” is any child who has attained or will attain the age of six (6) years on or before September 1 of the calendar year and who has not yet attained the age of 17 on or before September 1 of the calendar year.

A compulsory-school-age child who is absent more than 37% of the instructional day must be considered absent the entire day. A compulsory-school-age child with documented participation in an activity authorized by the State Board of Education shall be considered present for purposes of determining and reporting attendance for average daily attendance.

When absences do occur, school personnel will classify the absence as excused or unexcused. Each of the following will constitute a valid excuse for absences of a school-age student enrolled in school, provided evidence of the excuse is provided to school personnel.

1. authorized school activities
2. illness or injury of the student
3. isolation of the student by health officials
4. death or serious illness of a member of the immediate family of the student
5. medical or dental appointments
6. proceedings of a court when the student is a party to the action or is under subpoena
7. educational opportunities such as travel with the prior approval of the principal
8. other emergency or unusual conditions subject to the approval of the principal

Excused absences are granted once validated. A note, email or fax from parents/guardians, a medical or dental excuse or court documentation must be received on the day the student returns to school if the absence is to be excused. Students who receive an excused absence will not be penalized in grading, provided they make up the work missed. This work must be made up immediately upon returning to school after receiving the excused absences. The amount of time for make-up work will be equal to the number of days of excused absences plus one additional day.

An unexcused absence is an absence during a school day that is not due to a valid excuse. When a student accumulates five (5) unexcused absences, a report will be made to the Attendance Officer. An out-of-school suspension is considered an unexcused absence. When the child has twelve (12) unexcused absences, the law provides that charges of “Educational Child Neglect” may be brought against the parent/guardian. Potential punishment for Educational Child Neglect is a fine of up to $1,000 and/or one (1) year in jail.

After a student has exceeded ten (10) absences, he/she must present a doctor’s excuse or court documentation for each additional day missed not to exceed fifteen (15) days.

The school recognizes that regular attendance is important if students are to attain the maximum benefit from the educational process and develop good work habits that carry over into their adult life. Parents and students are expected to abide by the Compulsory School Attendance Law. To support the child’s academic success, the Teacher Support Team of the school will monitor students with excessive absences. This team, with the parent, will develop a plan for encouraging and rewarding consistent school attendance. Students with excessive absences may not be eligible to attend field trips or participate in other school-sponsored activities.

KINDERGARTEN ATTENDANCE LAW

The provisions of the Mississippi Compulsory School Attendance Law are fully applicable to kindergarten-age children who have enrolled in full-day public school kindergarten. The parent shall not be allowed to un-enroll the child from the program, and such child shall be deemed a compulsory-school-age child.

TARDY AND CHECK-OUT PROCEDURES

School attendance daily is critical to a child’s academic success. Arriving at school on time and staying the entire school day is crucial to the learning process, especially at the elementary school level. Since students are engaged in learning activities the entire school day, parents are strongly encouraged to refrain from bringing a child late to school and from checking a student out of school.

The tardy bell rings at 7:35 a.m. Students are required to be at school when this bell rings. Any student arriving after this time will receive an unexcused tardy. Any student arriving at school after the tardy bell MUST be escorted into the school by a parent/guardian to obtain permission to enter class. If a student is late for school because of a doctor’s or dentist's appointment, the student must provide the attendance clerk with a doctor’s excuse when the student is signed into school. Bus students arriving late to school due to district transportation problems will not be considered tardy.

Any student withdrawn from class before the school’s dismissal time will receive an unexcused check-out. If a student is withdrawn for a doctor’s or dentist appointment, the student must provide the attendance clerk with a doctor’s excuse upon returning to school the next day. Any student who plans to check out of school before the end of the school day must have a parent or guardian come to the office and sign the check-out log. Any student who is checked out of school per the nurse’s request will be excused and the checkout log will be used as this student’s excuse. A checkout resulting from a school-sponsored event will be excused. Parents or guardians who need to check students out early must do so before 2 p.m. at the elementary and upper elementary and before 1:30 p.m. at the primary (before 10:30 a.m. for the half-day preschool program at PPS.) Persons checking out a student must be listed on the authorization list provided by the parent/guardian and must present a valid picture ID.

MAKE-UP WORK

The student will be allowed to make up work following an approved absence by contacting the teacher of the class in which the work was missed. The teacher will determine when and how work shall be made up by the student.

Parents should call the school secretary before 9 a.m. on the day of absence and request assignments for absences of more than one day. These will be provided after 3 p.m.

TRUANCY

A student is considered truant when he/she is absent from school without the knowledge and consent of parents and school officials. Parents or guardians must accompany such students to the principal’s office before re-admittance to class may be obtained. Truancy is an unexcused absence regardless of written notice or telephone call.

PERFECT ATTENDANCE

Perfect attendance shall be defined and observed as no absences, no tardies and no early checkouts from school. Exceptions shall be school bus tardiness and school-sponsored field trips.

The objectives of discipline within our schools may be considered threefold:

1. To establish and maintain favorable conditions free from distraction and misbehavior.
2. To establish and maintain respect for authority within the school.
3. To develop attitudes, habits, and skills required for self-discipline and good citizenship.

We recognize that for learning to take place we must maintain conditions conducive to learning.

All students are to conduct themselves appropriately at all school-sponsored activities. Failure to do so could result in the student losing their privilege to attend such functions and could result in disciplinary action.

The responsibility for a student’s behavior rests with the parents or legal guardian and the individual student. The principal has the authority to administer any disciplinary action approved by the Petal School Board necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of all students. This administration will take whatever steps necessary to enforce the policies of the Petal School District to include, if necessary, the involvement of the appropriate law enforcement or juvenile authorities.

The discipline philosophy of the Petal School District supports the teachers’ right to teach and the student’s right to learn. Behavior that stops the teacher from teaching and/or any student from learning will not be tolerated. We recognize that effective discipline requires the shared responsibility of parents, students and school personnel.

School officials have the authority to discipline a student for misconduct:

• In the school
• On the road to and from school
• At any school-related activity or event
• Or on property other than school property or other than at a school-related event

Authority exists when the superintendent or principal determines that such misconduct renders the student’s presence in the classroom a disruption to the educational environment or a detriment to the best interest and welfare of the students and teacher of such class as a whole.

Parents are notified of a suspension by telephone and/or by letter. If a parent is not contacted by phone, a letter with the information is given to the student. On occasion, a student is suspended immediately, if it is considered in their best interest or the general welfare of the other students and/or school personnel.

SCHOOL CREEDS

As a community of learners, students and faculty deserve an environment conducive to learning and teaching. The school creed of each school conveys the expectations for student behavior.

When parents, teachers and students work together toward a common goal, it helps students have a positive educational experience. Appropriate discipline supports the whole educational process and is the key to good citizenship and proper consideration and respect for others. The administration and teachers urge both parents and students to partner with us to ensure an orderly, respectful and productive environment for everyone.

Behaviors that will be referred to the Principal's Office

The list above is not all-inclusive. Proper law enforcement agencies, juvenile authorities and social agencies will be involved as necessary. If a student is suspended from school he/she may be required to receive an assessment or services by a professional counselor or agency before being readmitted to school.

CHEATING

Cheating of any kind will be treated as a serious offense. The first time a student is caught cheating, the teacher will contact the student’s parent/guardian, and the student could be given a zero for the assignment on which the student cheated. Any additional offense could result in a zero for the assignment and an office referral from the teacher.

Any student who takes an AR test for another student, or otherwise cheats in any manner related to an AR test, will lose all points up to that point and will not be allowed to attend the next AR incentive. Two or more offenses of this kind will include ISR time for the student.

SCHOOL PROPERTY DAMAGE

CARE OF SCHOOL PROPERTY/VANDALISM

The condition of the walls of the buildings, and the furniture in the classrooms, auditorium, library, gym and cafeteria should be a source of personal pride to each student. Every student should not only refrain from defacing or destroying school property but should make every possible effort to induce fellow students to do likewise. The student should help the custodian by placing all paper and waste in the containers furnished for this purpose. Section 37-11-9 of the Mississippi School Law Bulletin says, “If any pupil shall willfully destroy, cut, deface, damage, or injure any building, equipment or other school property the student shall be liable to suspension or expulsion and the student's parents in loco parentis shall be liable for damages." Parents/guardians will be notified in writing of a student's destruction or defacement of school property.

Vandalism

If any student shall willfully destroy, cut, deface, damage or injure any school building, equipment or other school property the student may be subject to suspension or expulsion and the student's parents, legal guardians or custodians may be liable for all damages.

Liability for Damages

The district may institute legal proceedings against and recover damages provided by law from parents of minor students who maliciously and willfully damage or destroy school property. The discipline plan of each school shall contain a statement of parental responsibilities in this regard as required by the Discipline Plan. 

USE/POSSESSION OF DRUGS OR WEAPONS

No student attending school or any school-sponsored activity shall be in possession of or under the influence of any compound or substance that can be taken orally, intravenously, or inhaled (including, but not limited to, alcohol, drugs, narcotics, tobacco, e-cigarettes, and/or any paraphernalia). It is unlawful to bring any weapon on any educational property or any school sponsored activity. A student knowingly in possession of a weapon and/or any imitation weapon may be recommended for expulsion, the weapon seized, and the matter referred to the appropriate law enforcement authority.

HARASSMENT/BULLYING

The faculty and staff are committed to a safe educational environment for all students, employees, volunteers and patrons, free from harassment, intimidation or bullying. Bullying or harassing behavior is any pattern of gestures or written, electronic or verbal communications, or any physical act or threatening communication, or any act reasonably perceived as being motivated by any actual or perceived differentiating characteristic that:

• Physically harms a student or staff or damages the student’s or staff’s property; or
• Has the effect of substantially interfering with a student’s education; or
• Is severe, persistent, or pervasive that it creates an intimidating or threatening educational environment; or
• Has the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school.

Counseling, corrective discipline, and/or referral to law enforcement will be used to change the behavior of the perpetrator and remediate the impact on the victim. This includes appropriate intervention(s), restoration of a positive climate, and support for victims and others impacted by the violation. False reports or retaliation for harassment, intimidation or bullying also constitutes violations of this policy.

Any student who feels that he/she has been a target of harassment or bullying or any parent who feels his/her child has been a target of harassment or bullying in school; on school property; or while participating in a school sanctioned activity should report the incident promptly, orally, or in writing, to a school staff member, preferably the principal.  All complaints will be investigated by the principal or his/her designee. Depending on the nature of the offense, disciplinary action ranging from counseling to suspension or expulsion may be taken consistent with school discipline policies. An allegation of harassment or bullying and the results of the investigation shall be kept confidential to the extent reasonably possible under the investigation process.  Witnesses and those interviewed shall be informed of the confidential nature of the issues and the investigation, and shall be informed that it will be a violation of this policy to disclose the allegation or the nature of the investigation to others and will be subject to disciplinary action. 

School officials recognize the right of every student to take reasonable actions as may be necessary to defend himself or herself from an attack by another student who has evidenced bullying or harassing behaviors. The Petal School District defines “reasonable action” as promptly reporting the behavior to a teacher, principal, counselor or other school employee when subjected to bullying or other harassing behavior.

BIAS BEHAVIOR

In the event it is found beyond reasonable doubt an offense was committed by reason of the actual or perceived race, color, ancestry, ethnicity, religion, national origin of the victim, consequences will be assigned based on the seriousness of the offense. This policy applies to all students, parents, school employees and visitors while on school grounds and/or school sponsored activities, or while going to and from school.

INTERVIEWS AND SEARCHES BY SCHOOL OFFICIALS

Students in the district have the right to privacy and security against arbitrary invasion of their personal property by school officials. However, the school must maintain an atmosphere conducive to the pursuit of its educational goals, including a limited right to search students’ personal belongings when it is in the best interest of the overall welfare of other students or is necessary to preserve the good order and discipline of the school. 

Searches may be conducted with reasonable cause by not less than two members of the professional staff.  Parents/Guardians will be notified following any student search.  Any student who commits an unlawful act on school grounds, within 500 feet of school grounds, at a school sponsored or school related activity, is subject to having charges filed against him/her by the school district with the proper law enforcement officials. 

School administrators and teachers have the right to interview students regarding their conduct and/or the conduct of others. In regard to students’ alleged actions, except where the alleged action would constitute a criminal offense, the right against self-incrimination does not exist.

REASONABLE SUSPICION TESTING

Petal School District may require any student to submit to a drug and/or alcohol test at the expense of the parent/guardian if there is reasonable suspicion that the student has or is using prohibited drugs and/or alcohol. Reasonable suspicion must be based on specific contemporaneous physical, behavioral, or performance indicators of probable drug and/or alcohol use which can be articulated. The requirement of a drug and/or alcohol test is within the discretion of the Petal School District and is not a prerequisite to the administration of punishment under this policy.

DISCIPLINARY CONFERENCES

1. A parent/legal guardian of a compulsory-school-age child enrolled in the Petal School District may be requested to appear at school by the school attendance officer or an appropriate school official for a disciplinary conference regarding acts of the student.
2. A parent/legal guardian of a compulsory-school-age child enrolled in the Petal School District who refuses or willfully fails to attend a disciplinary conference may be summoned by the Superintendent or the school attendance officer and may be required to attend a discipline conference.
3. A parent/legal guardian of a compulsory-school-age child enrolled in the Petal School District who refuses or willfully fails to attend a discipline conference shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction, shall be fined not to exceed two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00).

DISCIPLINE LADDER

When a student is referred to the office, disciplinary action will be taken according to the discipline ladder. Depending on the seriousness of the offenses and previous disciplinary record, a student may enter the ladder at a level higher than step 1 and/or may be referred to appropriate youth services.

It may be necessary to involve the district’s police officers when incidents of a more serious nature threaten the safety and well-being of students, faculty members, or visitors and when they are disruptive to the school’s environment.

Preventative Conference

Administrators may choose to conference with a child and/or parent about the referral on a first offense.

DISCIPLINE LADDER

When a student is referred to the office, disciplinary action will be taken according to the discipline ladder. Depending on the seriousness of the offenses and previous disciplinary record, a student may enter the ladder at a level higher than step one and/or may be referred to appropriate youth services.

It may be necessary to involve the district’s police officers when incidents of a more serious nature threaten the safety and well-being of students, faculty members or visitors and when they are disruptive to the school’s environment.

Preventative Conference

Administrators may choose to conference with a child and/or parent about the referral on a first offense.

Step 1

1. Student/Principal conference
2. Parents notified
3. Miss five days of recess or one elective/activity detention
4. No referral to the office for 15 school days will remove a student from the discipline ladder

Step 2

1. Student/Principal conference
2. Parents notified
3. One-day in-school reassignment (ISR), or miss recess for ten days or three days elective/activity detention
4. No referral to the office for 20 school days will remove a student from the discipline ladder

Step 3

1. Student/Principal conference
2. Parents notified
3. Two days in-school reassignment (ISR) or one-day out-of-school suspension (OSS)
4. Mandatory at school conference with the principal or assistant principal or counselor, parent and student before the child will be admitted back to school after serving OSS
5. No referral to the office for 25 school days will remove a student from the discipline ladder.

Step 4

1. Student/Principal conference
2. Parents notified
3. Three days in-school reassignment (ISR) or two days out-of-school suspension (OSS) or a combination of ISS and OSS for three days.
4. Principal referral to Teacher Support Team.
5. Mandatory at-school conference with the principal or assistant principal, parent and student before the child will be admitted back to school after serving OSS.
6. No referral to the office for 30 school days will remove a student from the discipline ladder.

Step 5

1. Student/Principal conference
2. Parents notified
3. Four to seven days out of school suspension (OSS) or a combination of home suspension and in-school reassignment (ISR) equal to four to nine days.
4. Mandatory at-school conference with the principal or assistant principal, parent and student before the child will be admitted back to school after serving OSS.
5.  No referral to the office for 45 school days will move a student from Step 5 to Step 4 on the discipline ladder.

Step 6

1. Student/Parent conference
2. Parents notified
3. Four to nine days out of school suspension (OSS)
4. Student may be recommended for expulsion or reassignment.
5. Mandatory at-school conference with the principal or assistant principal, parent, and student before the child will be admitted back to school after serving OSS.
6. No referral to the office for 45 school days will move a student from Step 6 to Step 5 on the discipline ladder.
7. No participation in or attendance at any school district activity for the 45 days.

A student’s chronic defiant behavior, or the seriousness of the offenses as determined by the school’s administration, may make it necessary to assign the student to Step 7 as described below.

Step 7

1. Student/Parent/Principal conference
2. Nine days home suspension (OSS)
3. Recommendation for expulsion or reassignment
4. No participation in any school district activity or event for the duration of the alternate placement or expulsion period.

RECESS/ACTIVITY DETENTION

Recess or elective/activity detention may be assigned to students for inappropriate behaviors at school. Recess detention may be assigned by a teacher or principal. When detention is assigned by the teacher for minor inappropriate behaviors, a contact will be made with the parent. Failure to report to a teacher-assigned detention may result in an office referral for the students from the detention monitor. Elective/activity detention will be assigned by a principal or assistant principal for misbehaviors that have placed a student on the school discipline ladder. Failure to report to a principal-assigned detention will result in one day of in-school suspension (ISS) for every day of detention that is missed. 

Students assigned to recess detention on Steps 1 and 2 may receive an assignment to a pride project.  A pride project may include picking up trash on the campus or some similar assignment during the recess to help improve the appearance of the school or campus.

Detention will be handled according to the following procedures:

1. Elective/activity detention shall be held during one of the students scheduled electives.
2. All detentions shall be served at the time assigned.
3. Students will be required to bring an assignment to detention. The assignment could be homework or something appropriate to read.
4. Absences due to personal illness, serious illness in the family, death in the family, or special permission obtained in advance from the principal, shall be excused.
5. All excused absences from detention shall be made up as soon as possible following the excused absence.
6. On the date the detention is assigned, the principal, assistant principal, will make an effort to contact the parents or guardian by phone or by letter to notify them that their child is being given detention.

IN-SCHOOL REASSIGNMENT & OUT-OF-SCHOOL SUSPENSION (ISR/OSS)

In-School Reassignment (ISR) may be assigned by a principal or assistant principal for inappropriate student behavior. If this occurs, the student’s assignments for the day will be sent to the ISR monitor for the student to complete. Additional written work may also be assigned by the ISR monitor. 

Students may be suspended by the principal or assistant principal in circumstances that would permit harm to another student or staff member. Student’s assignment to OSS is based on the severity of the offense and/or the student’s position on the discipline ladder.

Students assigned to ISR or OSS may not be allowed to participate in field trips or other special activities. Sixth grade students placed on the discipline ladder may be excluded from certain organizations at Petal Middle School such as Student Council, Junior Beta Club, etc.

BEHAVIORAL INTERVENTIONS FOR STUDENTS WITH REPEAT REFERRALS

1. Pride Groups - Students may be referred by the Principal, Assistant Principal, Counselor, Teacher and/or Detention Teacher. Supervision provided by a lead custodian or as part of a duty position for a teacher assistant. List of “Pride Projects” developed by the discipline committee to include projects such as: weeding flower beds, cafeteria clean-up, cleaning bathroom walls, sweeping sidewalks, or picking up litter.
2. Small Group Counseling Opportunities - Small group counseling is required in the area of anger management and social skills for students with specified discipline referrals (repeat offenders, fighting, etc.) Students may be referred by principals, counselors, teachers and/or parents. Notice will be sent to parents along with a copy of discipline referral.
3. Mentoring - Students referred by Principal, Assistant Principal, Counselor, Teacher and/or Detention Teacher are assigned a mentor with whom they will practice behavior modification techniques.
4. Referral to Teacher Support Team – Students may be referred to the Teacher Support Team for a Functional Behavior Assessment to determine the cause of the inappropriate behavior.
5. Change of Placement – In the event of continuous disruptive behavior, students may be moved to an alternative placement in the school’s Transition class.  

THREAT ASSESSMENT

Student safety is of the utmost importance. Students who threaten to harm themselves or others may be referred for a threat assessment. This procedure will help to determine the seriousness of a threat and whether or not the student is a danger to himself/herself or others. Parents and/or guardians will be involved in the threat assessment procedure. If a student has been determined to be a perceived threat to himself or others, he/she may be referred to a mental health provider for a free assessment. If the parent refuses to allow the free assessment, a referral to Child Protective Services may be submitted.

RESTRAINT AND SECLUSION

The Petal School District supports a positive approach to behavior that uses proactive strategies to create a safe school climate. It is recognized that situations may arise wherein students are displaying physically violent behavior or are deemed to be a danger to themselves or others. The use of excessive force or cruel and unusual punishment regarding student management is prohibited. Restraint and seclusion shall not be used as a punitive measure. Only school personnel trained in the use of restraint and seclusion shall be used to observe and monitor these students. Physical restraint is considered to be an emergency response after all other verbal and non-verbal de-escalation measures have failed in effectiveness. Proper documentation must be completed with each incidence of restraint, including notification to parents. Parents will be notified verbally or in writing on the day of the restraint or seclusion or no later than 48 hours following the incident. Questions regarding the use of restraint and seclusion may be directed to Katie Charleville, Director of Special Services.

SUSPEND/EXPEL STUDENTS

The local school board shall have authority to suspend, to expel a student, or to change placement to an alternative school or a homebound program for misconduct:

• In the school
• On the road to and from school
• At any school related activity or event
• Or on property other than school property or other than at a school related event

Authority exists when the superintendent or principal determines that such misconduct renders the student’s presence in the classroom a disruption to the educational environment or a detriment to the best interest and welfare of the students and teacher of such class as a whole. 

ALTERNATIVE FOR SUSPENSION

As an alternative to suspension, a student may remain in school by having a parent/legal guardian, with the consent of the student’s teacher(s), attend class with the student for a period of time specifically agreed upon by the reporting teacher(s) and school principal. If the parent/legal guardian does not agree to attend class with the student or fails to attend class with the student, the student shall be suspended in accordance with the code of student conduct and discipline policies of the Petal School District.

APPEALS

In-school suspension, detention, and suspension of eight days or less from the school or the bus may not be appealed beyond the school principal. Any student’s parent or guardian aggrieved by the disciplinary action may request in writing a review of the decision by the principal. Any appeal may be made to a district review committee for a suspension in excess of eight but less than 10 days out-of-school. 

Expulsion is defined as any denial of school attendance beyond 10 days which may be permanent or which may terminate at the beginning of the next school year provided sufficient rehabilitation can be demonstrated. A hearing before a district discipline review committee is automatic. A complete copy of the district discipline and appeals policy is available for review in each principal’s office. Students who are expelled may apply for readmission by contacting the superintendent’s office.

SCHOOL AND BUS VIDEO

Student confidentiality regulations prohibit parents from viewing surveillance videos.  Parents may request that school personnel review video footage. 

Parents and students are reminded that Mississippi law refers to riding a school bus as an “entitlement,” which means public school districts are not required to provide transportation for any student who does not meet behavioral expectations.

A written note from the parent/guardian must be sent to change the transportation status for a student. No phone calls are allowed for changes in transportation. Written notice from parent/guardian is required. The student should bring written permission from their parent/guardian on the day of the change. The note must include the date and the name and address of the transportation change.

In the event of early dismissal because of severe weather, bus drivers must be able to see an adult visible at the home before allowing (K-6) students to exit the bus. If a parent or designee isn’t visible at the stop, students may be returned to the campus. It is the responsibility of the parents to see that students who are returned to school are picked up. Students who returned multiple times may have their riding privileges suspended.

Parents and students should understand that riding the school bus is an extension of the school day, and the bus is considered a classroom on wheels. In addition to our school discipline policy, the following behaviors are expected of each student who rides a school bus in the Petal School District.

1. Sit where the bus driver assigns you, facing the front at all times, with your bottom on the seat, feet in front of you, remaining seated while the bus is in motion.
2. Talk or speak to others in a respectable manner with an “inside” voice. Shouting, yelling or raising your voice, and using vulgar language will be unacceptable.
3. Keep food and drinks in your bags at all times while on the school bus.
4. Refrain from making obscene gesture and/or throwing objects on the bus or out the window.

The following misbehaviors on the school bus are subject to the same discipline as described in the school’s student handbook, as well as removal from the bus:

1. Fighting
2. Possession or use of a weapon
3. Possession or use of illegal substances
4. Any other action that might occur on the bus but would be Step 4 or higher if committed on campus.

SCHOOL BUS DISCIPLINE LADDER

When a student is referred to the office, school personnel may contact the parent/guardian and disciplinary action will be taken according to the following prescribed steps/consequences. Based on the severity of the offense the administrator has the authority to place the student on a higher step on the ladder. Regarding an initial bus referral, a Parental Contact Form is issued by the bus driver through the transportation department and sent home for a parent to read, sign, and return to the bus driver.

• Step One
  • Student/principal conference
  • One day of bus suspension
  • 15 day probationary period-after 15 school days will move off the Bus Ladder
• Step Two
  • Student/principal conference
  • Up to two days off the bus and/or school consequence (PRIDE Project or Recess Detention)
  • 20 day probationary period-after 20 school days will move off the Bus Ladder
• Step Three
  • Student/Parent/Principal and/or Transportation Director Conference
  • Up to 5 days off the bus and/or school consequence (PRIDE Project, Recess Detention or ISR)
  • 25 day probationary period-after 25 school days will move off the Bus Ladder
• Step Four
  • Student/Parent/Principal and/or Transportation Director Conference
  • Up to 10 days off the bus and/or school consequence (PRIDE Project or ISR)
  • Mandatory at school conference with parent before the child will be admitted back on the bus. 
  • Develop Bus Plan
  • 30 day probationary period-after 30 school days will move off the Bus ladder
• Step Five
  • Student/Parent/Principal and/or Transportation Director Conference
  • Up to 30 days off the bus and/or school consequence (PRIDE Project or ISR)
  • Mandatory at school conference with parent before the child will be admitted back on the bus.
  • Review/Develop Bus Plan
  • 45 day probationary period-after 45 school days will move to Step 4 on the Bus Ladder
• Step Six
  • Student/Parent/Principal and/or Transportation Director Conference
  • Up to 45 days off the bus and/or school consequence (PRIDE Project or ISR)
  • Mandatory at school conference with parent before the child will be admitted back on the bus.
  • Review Develop Bus Plan
  • 90 day probationary period-after 90 school days will move to Step 5 on the Bus Ladder
• Step Seven
  • Student/Parent/Principal and/or Transportation Director Conference
  • Removal from bus for remainder of school year

SCHOOL AND BUS VIDEO

Student confidentiality regulations prohibit parents from viewing surveillance videos.  Parents may request that school personnel review video footage.  APPEALS

In-school suspension, detention, and suspension of eight days or less from the school or the bus may not be appealed beyond the school principal. Any student’s parent or guardian aggrieved by the disciplinary action may request in writing a review of the decision by the principal. Any appeal may be made to a district review committee for a suspension of more than eight but less than 10 days of school.

Expulsion is defined as any denial of school attendance beyond 10 days which may be permanent, or which may terminate at the beginning of the next school year provided sufficient rehabilitation can be demonstrated. A hearing before a district discipline review committee is automatic. A complete copy of the district discipline and appeals policy is available for review in each principal’s office.

It is of the utmost importance that the directions of the individuals supervising the drop-off/pick-up area are followed. Students are to unload and load only where the adults supervising can easily observe them. Parents are asked to take care of notes, lunch money and other items before arriving at school. Please do not block or delay traffic in this area.

Parents are urged to use extreme caution when children unload from vehicles. Dangerous situations exist when students get out of cars with clothing or straps from book bags and get near doors as they are closed. Parents should avoid distractions such as cell phones or pets. Please be sure your student has cleared the vehicle before pulling away. Students must move quickly without running to the loading area at dismissal time, pay attention to the loading supervisors and watch for his/her ride.

Parents are required to display their student's name in large printed letters inside the windshield of their vehicle throughout the school year. Limousines are not allowed in the pick-up and drop off line.

PERMISSION SLIPS

For a child’s protection, permission slips are required for a child to:

1. Ride with another person,
2. Remain after school for any reason,
3. Participate in a school approved trip,
4. Ride home from a field trip with parents.
   • Students may ride home with a parent or guardian after receiving written approval from the principal three days before the trip.

Students riding buses are expected to ride the bus home unless he/she has written permission to do otherwise. Written permission must be dated, include address for drop off, and be signed by parent or guardian and received in the office no later than 1:30 p.m. No phone calls are allowed for changes in transportation.

Parents are asked to instruct students who walk or ride bikes to school to observe all safety rules to and from school.

Students habitually left at school may be referred to the appropriate youth services or assigned a bus suspension.

PETAL PRIMARY SCHOOL

Visitors and families will need to park in front of the school in a parking lot and come into the lobby to handle any tardies, checkouts or other business. The drop off and pick up location for kindergarten students will be at the north end of the building which is the outside entrance to the kindergarten wing. The drop off and pick up location for first grade students will be on the west end of the building which is the front entrance to the lobby. The drop off and pick up location for second grade will be at the rear entrance of the school located off Stadium Drive.

Drop off will begin at 7 a.m. The tardy bell will ring and class will begin at 7:35 a.m. Avoid arriving exactly at 7:35 a.m. as this will cause both traffic congestion and students to be tardy. Breakfast will be served every morning from 7-7:30 a.m. All students who will be eating breakfast at school must arrive early enough to eat and report to class by 7:30 a.m. Drop off students will not be allowed to go to breakfast after 7:30 a.m.

Vehicles must have the school issued PPS Car Rider Tag to pick up a student. If a tag is not visible, the driver must come inside, be confirmed as an approved contact, and show a valid ID to pick up a student. Parents picking up children may arrive on campus no earlier than 1:30 p.m. (before 10:30 a.m. for the half-day preschool program at PPS.) All student carlines will be from 2:15-2:40 p.m.

PETAL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

The drop off and pick-up location for the third and fourth grade students will be either the outside entrance to the gym on the east end of the building or on the back entrance of Stadium Drive.

Drop off begins at 7 a.m. Class begins at 7:35 a.m. Avoid arriving exactly at 7:35 a.m. as this will cause both traffic congestion and students to be tardy. Breakfast will be served every morning beginning at 7:05 a.m. and ending at 7:30 a.m. All students who will be eating breakfast at school must arrive early enough to eat and report to class by 7:35 a.m. Drop off students will not be allowed to go to breakfast after 7:30 a.m.

Vehicles must have the school issued PES Car Rider Tag to pick up a student. If a tag is not visible, the driver must come inside, be confirmed as an approved contact, and show a valid ID to pick up a student. Parents picking up children may arrive on campus no earlier than 2 p.m. Pick-up students will be dismissed between 2:35-3 p.m.

PETAL UPPER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

The drop off/pick up location for students is on the Ogilsvie Street (South) side of the school. All students who arrive at school before 7:35 a.m. by private vehicle or are picked up must do so in this area. The front parking lot will be open to bus and faculty traffic only from 7-7:35 a.m. and from 2:15-3 p.m. All other vehicle traffic involving student pickups and drop offs will be done on the Ogilsvie Street side of the campus.

The drop off and pick up traffic lanes will be one-way to the West in lanes provided for vehicles on the North side of Ogilsvie. The traffic flow on Ogilsvie Street will remain two-way. Parents may wish to plan their routes to Petal Upper Elementary School to easily align their arrival with the designated drop off/pick up lanes.

For safety reasons and to reduce congestion, parents/guardians are not to drop off students on the corner of 8^th & Hillcrest.

Drop offs may begin at 7 a.m. Avoid arriving exactly at 7:35 a.m. as this will cause both congestion and students to be tardy. The gate at the loading area will be locked for security reasons at 7:35 a.m.

Students will be dismissed from the pickup area next to Ogilsvie Street between 2:30-3 p.m.

Routes to the school should be planned to avoid making U-turns on Ogilsvie. Traffic inbound on Highway 42 should take Corinth Road to Ogilsvie. Vehicles arriving from North of the school should either consider taking Hillcrest Loop to Collins Road (near the tennis court) and Pecan Terrace to Ogilsvie. Traffic arriving from the South should consider taking Cassil Street to Byrd Drive to Ogilsvie.

The Petal School District recognizes the importance of a safe and secure environment to provide the most effective learning situation. The district has taken certain precautions and specific measures to ensure the safety of both students and staff. A crisis management plan has been developed and extends the idea of proactive planning for a major crisis should one occur. It ensures that district officials, working with the community leaders, have discussed and developed an appropriate plan of response which will make use of all available resources.

In case of a crisis, the contact person for public information is the Petal School District Superintendent. Public notification of a crisis would be given over local radio and television stations. Should early dismissal of students be necessary, parents can pick up their children at the drop off/pick up area on the campus and school buses would run early. Should evacuation of the campus be necessary, students would be evacuated to a predetermined area.

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

• Fire Drill
  • When the drill announcement is heard, all students should walk briskly and orderly toward areas determined by their location at the time of the drill. Fire drills are conducted monthly. The teacher in charge of the class at the time of the drill will remain in charge of the same group until the drill is concluded. The teacher will check to see that all students have left the building safely.
• Tornado Drill
  • A severe weather announcement is given. When this is announced, all teachers and students should move immediately to their designated places according to where they may be at the time of the drill. Notice of severe weather comes to schools directly from the Emergency Management District.
  • Students in the hall will sit along the walls with their heads on knees and hands on top of their heads.
• Safe Room
  • The organization and personnel responsible for operating and maintaining this safe room will be the Petal School District employees. The Safe Room Management Team will consist of school crisis team members, school and district level administrators and school resource officers. This team is assigned to execute its emergency plan during weather events that occur during school hours or any after school events. The Crisis Team’s responsibility will be to instruct safe room occupants where to assemble in the safe room; control the movement of people into the safe room in a timely and orderly manner; to make regular rounds inside of the safe room while in lock down; and contact Health Services or emergency personnel if needed, for the treatment of injured occupants.
  • The safe room will not be open to the public at the time of activation.
• Threatening Situations, Lockdown and Evacuation
  • An announcement will be made to alert faculty and students to an emergency situation. The procedures in the Petal School District Crisis Management Plan will be followed.
• Severe Weather
  • Petal School District receives a warning issued by the Emergency Management District.
  • Media sources, including the school district website, will be notified in the event of early dismissal due to severe weather. All parents are encouraged to listen to the radio or television in case of severe weather. If a severe weather bulletin is issued, students may be detained at school until clearance is received from the Emergency Management District.
  • Parents will also be notified by phone through the district’s phone messaging system.
  • No student will be sent home unless someone has been notified schools will dismiss early.
• Delayed Start
  • In the event of inclement/severe weather before school begins, the decision to delay the start of school may be enacted by the Petal School District with input from Emergency Management personnel. This option would be in addition to other safety measures including full school day cancellations.
  • If there is a delayed start time, it will be announced school will start with either a one- or two-hour delay. Students, parents and teachers should expect beginning times to follow the same schedule as on a normal day, only delayed by the decided amount of time.
  • If a one hour delayed start is announced, the elementary schools will begin at 8:35 a.m. If a two-hour delayed start is announced, the elementary schools will begin at 9:35 a.m.
  • Buses will pick up students at bus stops one hour later/two hours later than regularly scheduled pick-up times. Buses will make every effort to be punctual, although traffic and road conditions may increase travel time. Parents dropping off students, students who walk and students driving to school should arrive one or two hours after their regularly scheduled arrival times.
  • School dismissal times will remain on regular schedules, including bus drop off times in neighborhoods and parent pick up times at schools.
  • All afternoon and evening programs will operate as normally scheduled unless announced otherwise.

NOTICE OF TITLE 1 ELIGIBILITY

Petal Primary, Petal Elementary and Petal Upper Elementary School qualify to receive federal funds. These schools are eligible for a school-wide Title 1 Program. Each school may consolidate and use funds under Title 1, together with other federal, state, and local funds, in order to upgrade the entire educational program in schools in which not less than 40% of the children enrolled are from low-income families.

ANNUAL PARENT NOTICE RIGHT TO REQUEST TEACHER QUALIFICATIONS

Parents have the right to request information regarding the professional qualifications of your student's classroom teacher(s). If this information in requested, the school will provide you with the following as soon as possible:

1. if a teacher has met state licensing requirements for the grade level and subjects in which the teacher is providing instruction;
2. if state licensing requirements have been waived for the teacher on a temporary basis;
3. the type of college degree major of the teacher and the field of discipline for any graduate degree or certificate; and
4. if your child is receiving Title 1 services from paraprofessionals and, if so, his/her qualifications.

Please contact your student's school for this information.

FAMILY ENGAGEMENT POLICY/PLAN

In support of strengthening student academic achievement, Petal School District receives Title I, Part A funds and therefore must jointly develop with, agree on with and distribute to parents and family members of participating children a written parent and family engagement policy that contains information required by Section 1116(a)(2) of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). The policy establishes the LEA’s expectations and objectives for meaningful parent and family engagement and describes how the LEA will implement a number of specific parent and family engagement activities, and it is incorporated into the LEA’s plan submitted to the Mississippi Department of Education.

The Petal School District agrees to implement the following requirements as outlined by Section 1116:

• The school district will put into operation programs, activities, and procedures for the engagement of parents and family members in all of its schools with Title I, Part A programs. These programs, activities, and procedures will be planned and operated with meaningful consultation with parents and family members of participating children.
• Consistent with Section 1116, the school district will work with its schools to ensure that the required school-level parent and family engagement policies meet the requirements of Section 1116(b) of the ESSA and each include as a component a school-parent compact consistent with Section 1116(d) of the ESEA.
• In carrying out the Title I, Part A parent and family engagement requirements to the extent practicable, the school district and its schools will provide full opportunities for the participation of parents with limited English proficiency, limited literacy, disabilities, of migratory children, who are economically disadvantaged, or are of any racial or ethnic minority background, including providing information and school reports required under Section 1111 of the ESSA in an understandable and uniform format including alternative formats upon request and, to the extent practicable, in a language parents understand.
• If the LEA plan for Title I, Part A, developed under Section 1112 of the ESEA, is not satisfactory to the parents of participating children, the school district will submit any parent comments with the plan when the school district submits the plan to the state Department of Education.
• The school district will be governed by the following definition of parental involvement and expects that its Title I schools will carry out programs, activities and procedures in accordance with this definition in Section 8101(39) of the ESSA:

The term “parental involvement” means the participation of parents in regular, two-way and meaningful communication involving student academic learning and other school activities, including ensuring:

1. parents play an integral role in assisting their child’s learning;
2. parents are encouraged to be actively involved in their child’s education at school;
3. parents are full partners in their child’s education and are included, as appropriate, in decision-making and on advisory committees to assist in the education of their child; and
4. carrying out of other activities, such as those described in Section 1116.

The Petal School District will take the following actions to involve parents and family members in jointly developing its LEA plan under Section 1112, and the development of support and improvement plans under paragraphs (1) and (2) of Section 1111(d) of the ESEA.

• Parent surveys are conducted each spring.
• Parents and community members will review and have input on the district parent and family engagement policy and the district comprehensive federal programs application during scheduled planning meetings.
• Parents will be invited to review the district policy, along with the school policy, annually during the Annual Title I Meeting.
• The Parent Involvement Plan will be posted to the district’s website for public review and comment.

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

The Petal School District will provide the following coordination, technical assistance, and other support necessary to assist and build capacity of all Title I, Part A schools in planning and implementing effective parent and family involvement activities to improve student academic achievement and school performance, which may include meaningful consultation with employers, business leaders and philanthropic organizations or individuals with expertise in effectively engaging parents and family members in education.

• Annual open house and annual Title I meetings
• Monthly administrative meetings
• Professional development opportunities
• Regularly scheduled PTO meetings
• Federal Programs assistance in developing and monitoring school plans
• District oversight and leadership
• Maintain and support with appropriate information and training for parental volunteer opportunities
• Assist in the development of parental leadership through PTOs and other recognized groups
• Identify and publicize promising programs and practices related to parental involvement

ANNUAL EVALUATION

The Petal School District will take the following actions to conduct, with the meaningful involvement of parents and family members, an annual evaluation of the content and effectiveness of this parent and family engagement policy in improving the academic quality of its Title I, Part A schools. The evaluation will include identifying barriers to greater participation by parents in activities (with particular attention to parents who are economically disadvantaged, are disabled, have limited English proficiency, have limited literacy or are of any racial or ethnic minority background). The evaluation will also include identifying the needs of parents and family members to assist with the learning of their children, including engaging with school personnel and teachers and strategies to support successful school and family interactions. The school district will use the findings of the evaluation about its parent and family engagement policy to design evidence-based strategies for more effective parental involvement, and to revise, if necessary, its parent and family engagement policies.

• The federal programs director will release parent, family and community surveys each spring. Parents, family and community will have the opportunity to provide input on school functions and evaluate the implementation of programs.
• The superintendent, federal programs director, Title I school contacts, administrators and teachers, along with parents, family members and community members will be responsible for conducting the evaluation of policy and programs on an annual basis as part of the Title I planning process.
• Parents, family members and community members will provide feedback on the content and effectiveness of the parental and family engagement policy and school plans through participation in surveys, open house, annual Title I meeting, PTO and council meetings. The school administration and federal programs director will be responsible for these activities.

RESERVATION OF FUNDS

The Petal School District will involve the parents and family members of children served in Title I, Part A schools in decisions about how the 1% of Title I, Part A funds reserved for parent and family engagement is spent and will ensure that not less than 90% of the 1% reserved goes directly to Title I schools.

The school district will provide parents and family members opportunity for input in how to spend the 1% parent involvement funds through the annual spring survey, during the annual Title I parent meeting at schools and at meetings throughout the school year.

COORDINATION OF SERVICES

The Petal School District will coordinate and integrate parent and family engagement strategies, to the extent feasible and appropriate, with other relevant Federal, State and local laws and programs such as Head Start that encourage and support parents in more fully participating in the education of their children by:

• The district supports each school’s parent committees (Shared Decision Councils) which are composed of community members. These members provide support and resources to the school and the families.
• The district will work with Head Start and daycares to provide support and resources to parents in aiding them in participating more fully in the education of their children.

BUILDING CAPACITY OF PARENTS

The Petal School District will, with the assistance of its Title I schools, build parents’ capacity for strong parental involvement by providing materials and training on such topics as literacy training and using technology to help parents work with their children to improve their children’s academic achievement. Assistance will also be provided to parents in understanding the following topics:

• The challenging State academic standards;
• the State and local academic assessments including alternate assessments;
• the requirements of Title I, Part A;
• how to monitor their child’s progress; and
• how to work with educators.

In addition, the District will support the schools in parental involvement activities with both financial as well as personnel resources to meet the programming identified in school Parent and Family Engagement Plans. Assistance will be provided in areas such as the following:

1. resource materials at parent centers;
2. training opportunities during parent night activities;
3. college and career fairs; and
4. orientation activities.

BUILDING CAPACITY OF SCHOOL STAFF

The Petal School District will, with the assistance of its schools and parents, educate its teachers, specialized instructional support personnel, principals and other school leaders and other staff in the value and utility of contributions of parents, and in how to reach out to, communicate with and work with parents as equal partners, implement and coordinate parent programs and build ties between parents and schools by:

• providing professional development opportunities at the beginning of school and assigned throughout the year;
• sharing relevant resource information with faculty and staff as collected;
• providing information to parents from the district and school in a format, to the extent practicable, and in a language that parents can understand.

ADOPTION

This Petal School District Parent and Family Engagement Policy has been developed jointly and agreed on with parents and family members of children participating in Title I, Part A programs, as evidenced by planning agenda, meeting minutes and sign-in sheets.

DELIVERIES

Students may not receive deliveries at school. This includes, but is not limited to, birthday and Valentine’s Day gifts, baskets, balloons, etc. Balloons are not allowed on school buses.

FEES

An activity fee will be assessed at the beginning of school to support instruction.

FOOD AND BEVERAGES AT SCHOOL

All activities requiring food in the classroom will be tied to instructional goals or class incentives. Any food item which parents wish to bring to school should have prior permission from the teacher. Any food delivered by a parent for a class activity must be delivered before 9 a.m. to the school office. Items will be delivered to the classroom by office personnel. In order to comply with the state nutrition standards, all food brought for classroom activities or snacks brought for the entire class will need to be individually wrapped or enclosed in the manufacturer or commercial bakery wrapper, and must include a complete ingredient list.

Students are allowed to have water in the classroom in a covered container on a daily basis. Other beverages are reserved for special occasions only.

FUNDRAISING

Fundraising should be kept to a minimum in the school. Each club, class or organization may have only one fundraising per semester. No fundraising will be allowed for the purchase of instructional supplies or equipment. All fundraising project requests must be approved by the principal and the superintendent. Fundraising requests forms are available in the principal’s office. All money collected in these activities will be receipted and deposited in that organization’s account in the student activities fund. Money collected or raised belongs to the school club or organization and is not to be expended on any project other than school sponsored programs or activities. No purchases are to be made through the Student Activity Fund without the approval of the principal. Candy sales are not allowed on campus.

HEALTH SCREENING

The school district will annually inform parents in the event it administers any health or physical screenings. The district will also directly notify parents of students who are scheduled to participate in the specific activities or surveys noted below and will provide an opportunity for the parent to opt his or her child out of participation in the specific activity or survey. For surveys and activities scheduled after the school year starts, parents will be provided reasonable notification of the planned activities and surveys listed below and be provided an opportunity to opt their child out of such activities and surveys.  Parents will also be provided an opportunity to review any pertinent surveys. Following is a list of the specific activities and surveys covered under this direct notification requirement:

1. Collection, disclosure, or use of personal information collected from students for marketing, sales, or other distribution.
2. Administration of any protected information survey not funded in whole or in part by ED.
3. Any non-emergency, invasive physical examination or screening as described above.

CHECK VERIFICATION

The Petal School District has entered into an agreement with Envision for the collection of all returned checks issued to all Petal School District locations. The following information is required on all checks: full name, street address and home phone number. If a check is returned by a bank, it will be automatically forwarded by the Petal School District’s bank directly to Envision. After the first presentation of the check Envision will collect the face value of the worthless check plus the state allowed collection fee. Envision may re-present the check to the bank electronically along with applicable collection fees.

FEE WAIVER

Fees may be waived for students who qualify for the free lunch program pursuant to the USDA annual free lunch income eligibility guidelines. The waiver of fees applies to classroom materials and classroom supplies. Fees for extracurricular activities such as field trips, band, show choir, athletics, etc. are not covered. To request a fee waiver each parent or guardian must complete the Fee Waiver Certification Form within one week of enrollment for a financial hardship (free or reduced) waiver of fees. The information provided in compliance with the financial hardship law shall be kept in the strictest confidence and shall be used solely for the purpose of determining the student’s eligibility for the waiver of fees by the school district.

BOOKS

The policy on textbook selection and adoption is as stated in the School Board Policy Manual. Classroom sets of textbooks will be available to be used at the teachers’ discretion. Textbooks will be issued by a teacher if an individual student copy is requested by a parent. Any damage to or loss of a book issued to the student must be paid for by the parent/guardian of the student. This damage fee or loss is assessed and collected according to a scale by the school principal.

The Petal School District provides computers for students to use as part of their educational experience. When students are using these devices we ask that they treat them with care and they are not to abuse or damage them. The primary device used is a Chromebook which provides all necessary access and applications to perform the educational tasks assigned to them. While in the student’s possession they are responsible for any damages, on any device, that occurs due to mishandling or abuse.

EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES

Instructional materials, including library books, are selected to implement, enrich and support the educational program for the student. The main objective is to provide students with a range of educational materials on all levels of difficulty and in a variety of formats, with diversity of appeal, allowing for the presentation of many different points of view. Library books are chosen by the media specialist based on the book’s educational significance; literary and or/artistic merit; contribution the subject matter makes to the curriculum and/or to the interests of the students; favorable recommendations based on preview and examination by professional personnel; reputation of the author or publisher; or high degree of potential user appeal. Resources will be selected for their strengths rather than rejected for their weaknesses and shall be appropriate for the subject area and for the age, emotional development, ability level and social development of the students for whom the materials are selected.

Any resident or employee of the school district may formally challenge books available in the school library or in the classroom on the basis of appropriateness. Persons requesting removal of a book should present their request in writing to the school principal. The principal will convene a committee of at least four people to consider the complaint. The committee shall consist of, at least, the principal, the librarian/media specialist, a teacher and a PTO representative. The committee shall meet within two weeks to discuss the materials. The principal will notify the complainant and the superintendent of the committee’s decision. If the committee decides to keep the work that caused the complaint, the complainant shall be given an explanation. If the complaint is valid, the principal will acknowledge it and make recommended changes. If the complainant is still not satisfied, he/she may ask the superintendent to present an appeal to the Board of Trustees, which shall make the final determination of the issue. However, no questioned materials shall be removed from the school pending a decision of the Reconsideration Committee.

Recommendations of the American Library Association will be followed for the consideration of selecting or removing resources from the school library.

INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEOS

During the course of the school year, teachers may record lessons being taught in the classroom. Although the recordings may show or involve students, the purpose of the video will be solely instructional. Videos of lessons may be available for students to use for supplemental academic support or used by teachers to model best practices and professional development. Parents with questions or concerns about the use of video recording in the classroom should contact the school principal.

PETAL SCHOOL DISTRICT WELLNESS POLICY

The link between nutrition, physical activity and learning is well documented. Healthy eating and activity patterns are essential for students to achieve their full academic potential, 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, like Type 2 diabetes.

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 the Petal School District shall possess the knowledge and skills necessary to make nutritious food choices and enjoyable activity choices for a lifetime. All staff in the Petal School District are encouraged to model healthful eating and physical activity as a valuable part of daily life.

To meet this goal, the Petal School District has adopted a school wellness policy with the commitments to nutrition, physical activity, comprehensive health education, marketing and implementation. The policy is designed to effectively utilize school and community resources and to equitably serve the needs and interests of all students and staff taking into consideration differences in culture.

Any food item which parents wish to bring to school should have prior permission from the teacher. Items will be delivered to the classroom by office personnel. In order to comply with the state nutrition standards, all food brought for classroom activities will need to be individually wrapped or enclosed in the manufacturer or commercial bakery wrapper and must include a complete ingredient list.

FIELD TRIPS

Field trips should be of an academic nature to enhance the instructional program. Before a student may participate in a field trip activity, parents/guardians must sign a permission form

All children are required to ride the bus to the field trip with the class unless there is an emergency or a medically related circumstance. Permission is required for the student to ride home with the parent from the trip. Students may only ride with the legal guardian after receiving written approval from the principal three days before the trip. The student will only be released to the legal guardian. Field trips are for students enrolled in school only. Chaperones will be asked to supervise groups of children, therefore siblings are not permitted on school sponsored field trips. 

Students assigned to ISS or OSS during this school year may not be allowed to participate in field trips or other special activities. 

If a student has a cafeteria balance that reaches $15, students may not be allowed to participate in any school activities (field trips, incentives, field day, etc.) until the balance is clear or arrangements are made with the child nutrition director. 

SUPERVISION OF STUDENTS - OFF-CAMPUS ACTIVITY

Students will be supervised by a school employee at all times the school has jurisdiction over such students.

OFF-CAMPUS EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITY

All off-campus student educational activities require the approval of the principal. Accompanying the request for approval must be information specifying those students who are to participate in the activity and the basis for their participation. Out-of-state student activities at locations more than 100 miles from the Petal School District require the advance approval of the Superintendent in the event such out-of-state travel will occur prior to the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Trustees. Parents or guardians must sign the "Parental Consent to Student Educational Activity and Release From Liability" form in advance of the off-campus educational activity.

SCHOOL SAFETY AND SECURITY

For the safety of all parties (students, parents and faculty) and for the security of school property, students and parents are asked not to enter the buildings of the elementary schools before 7 a.m. or after 3:30 p.m. without prior appointment.

The following highlights are from the 1994 Mississippi Legislative Session:

• It is unlawful to bring any weapon on any educational property or any school sponsored activity.
• A report shall be made to law enforcement officials when the principal has reasonable belief that an act has occurred on educational property or during a school related activity involving assault resulting in serious physical injury, sexual assault, sexual offense, rape, kidnapping, indecent liberties with a minor, assault involving the use of a weapon or possession of a controlled substance.
• A parent, guardian or custodian of a compulsory school-age youngster enrolled in a public school shall be responsible for any criminal fines brought against his/her child for unlawful activities occurring on school grounds.
• A parent/guardian is required by law to attend a discipline conference that has been requested by a school official for his/her child.

ENROLLMENT REQUIREMENTS AND PROCEDURES

Students who enroll must have completed the requirements for the previous grade.

Before any student can register to attend school in the Petal School District, the student’s parent or legal guardian must prove legal residence within the school district’s boundaries. Families whose primary residence is outside of the boundaries are not eligible to attend the Petal School District. In an effort to ensure that every student attending school in the Petal School District lives full time with a parent/guardian who is actually residing in the district and supporting the schools through their tax dollars, residency requirements have been established.

To establish residency two documents must be presented. One document from each of the lists below must be shown. Documents must be pre-printed with the name and address of the student’s parent or guardian and must be presented at the child’s school at the time of registration. These are the only documents that will be accepted to establish residency and enroll students in the Petal School District.

All applicants must submit at least one document from each of the following columns:

Custody Information

By law, if parents are separated or divorced, each parent has equal rights to custody of their children UNLESS one parent has a court order indicating they have sole legal custody of their children. The school must have a copy of the court order on file.

Otherwise, either parent may, with proper identification:

• check children in and out of school
• request copies of records
• have contact with their children on campus
• have contact with their children’s teachers.

If your family has circumstances that may require these parents to be on file, you must bring a copy to the school. A copy of the court order will be kept on file at the school your child attends.

Education for Homeless Children and Youth

Homeless students in the district will have access to the education and other services needed to ensure that an opportunity is available to meet the same academic achievement standards to which all students are held. The district will ensure that homeless students are not stigmatized nor segregated on the basis of their status as homeless. A liaison for students in homeless situations will be designated by the district to carry out duties as required by law.

Transfers from other schools

Enrollment in the Petal School District becomes official after the student has provided the following information and the release of school records from his/her former school.

1. Verification of student residency.
2. Certificate of compliance - All students will present verification of up-to-date immunizations with the certificate of compliance (Form 121) issued through the Mississippi Health Department or any local physician.
3. A copy of the student’s birth certificate.
4. Withdrawal records from previous school - All students should officially withdraw from their previous school before attempting to enter Petal School District. Copies of withdrawal papers including previous grades are to be submitted prior to enrollment. Any student wishing to enroll who has been expelled or suspended from his/her former school must have approval from the PSD administration before admittance.

PARENTAL PERMISSION FOR MEDIA RELEASE

While the Petal School District is selective in granting media access on school campuses, the opportunity to share positive information concerning the educational experience of students is often requested by outside agencies – local radio stations, local television stations, educational television, newspaper and community/state agencies. This often involves videotaping or taking pictures of students in the classroom setting and/or asking students for their opinion or questions about their educational experiences. Petal School District students’ names and pictures may be used on the district or school website, the district or school social media pages or newsletters. Any Petal School District student will be considered for potential participation in such publicity. All information released will be in full compliance with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act.

Any parent/guardian not granting permission for their child to participate in media events must notify the school principal in writing of that request. No response will indicate that the parent/guardian releases permission to the Petal School District regarding media participation of students.

STUDENT RECORDS

Permanent school records are kept on all students in their respective schools. The school has a designated area in which student records are filed. Teachers are expected to return all student records to that area daily.

Parents/Guardians requesting copies of student information (birth certificate, social security card, etc.) from the school records should request this information in writing and present a current photo ID. Processing this request may take up to one week.

All reviews of student records, challenges to student record contents and release information on student records will be adhered to as provided in the School Board Policy Manual.

Classroom records are files kept by the teachers in the classroom. These records will be destroyed at the end of the year.

All requests for information regarding individual students (questionnaires, recommendation letters, surveys, etc. ) made to the schools in other districts, private schools, organizations, clubs, etc. must be approved by the school principal before completion.

The following information is considered directory information and can be released to the public: names of student’s parents, class designation, fields of study, honors information, scholarship information, photos/videos, grade classification, and weight and height if a member of an athletic team. The school may disclose directory information to military recruiters upon request, subject to a parent’s request not to disclose such information without consent.

NOTIFICATION OF RIGHTS UNDER FERPA FOR ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS/PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents and students who are 18 years of age or older ("eligible students") certain rights with respect to the student's education records.

These rights are:

1. The right to inspect and review the student's education records within 45 days after the day the school receives a request for access. Parents or eligible students who wish to inspect their child’s or their education records should submit to the school principal/designee a written request that identifies the records they wish to inspect. The school official will make arrangements for access and notify the parent or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.
2. The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the parent or eligible student believes are inaccurate, misleading or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights under FERPA. Parents or eligible students who wish to ask the school to amend their child’s or their education record should write the school principal/designee, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it should be changed. If the school decides not to amend the record as requested by the parent or eligible student, the school will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and of their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent or eligible student when notified of the right to a hearing.
3. The right to provide written consent before the school discloses personally identifiable information (PII) from the student's education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. One exception, which permits disclosure without consent, is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. The criteria for determining who constitutes a school official and what constitutes a legitimate educational interest must be set forth in the school’s or school district’s annual notification for FERPA rights. A school official typically includes a person employed by the school or school district as an administrator, supervisor, instructor or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel) or a school board member. A school official also may include a volunteer, contractor or consultant who, while not employed by the school, performs an institutional service or function for which the school would otherwise use its own employees and who is under the direct control of the school with respect to the use and maintenance of PII from education records, such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant or therapist; a parent or student volunteering to serve on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee; or a parent, student, or other volunteer assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official typically has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility. Upon request, the school discloses education records without consent to officials of another school or school district in which a student seeks or intends to enroll, or is already enrolled if the disclosure is for purposes of the student’s enrollment or transfer.

The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the school to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA are:

Family Policy Compliance Office | U.S. Department of Education 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20202

See the list below of the disclosures that elementary and secondary schools may make without consent. FERPA permits the disclosure of PII from students’ education records, without consent of the parent or eligible student, if the disclosure meets certain conditions found in Section 99.31 of the FERPA regulations. Except for disclosures to school officials, disclosures related to some judicial orders or lawfully issued subpoenas, disclosures of directory information, and disclosures to the parent or eligible student, Section 99.32 of the FERPA regulations requires the school to record the disclosure.

Parents and eligible students have a right to inspect and review the record of disclosures. A school may disclose PII from the education records of a student without obtaining prior written consent of the parents or the eligible student:

• To other school officials, including teachers, within the educational agency or institution whom the school has determined to have legitimate educational interests. This includes contractors, consultants, volunteers, or other parties to whom the school has outsourced institutional services or functions, provided that the conditions listed in section 99.31(a)(1)(i)(B)(1) - (a)(1)(i)(B)(3) are met. (Section 99.31(a)(1))
• To officials of another school, school system, or institution of postsecondary education where the student seeks or intends to enroll, or where the student is already enrolled if the disclosure is for purposes related to the student’s enrollment or transfer, subject to the requirements of Section 99.34. (Section 99.31(a)(2))
• To authorized representatives of the U. S. Comptroller General, the U. S. Attorney General, the U.S. Secretary of Education or State and local educational authorities, such as the State educational agency (SEA) in the parent or eligible student’s State. Disclosures under this provision may be made, subject to the requirements of Section 99.35, in connection with an audit or evaluation of Federal- or State-supported education programs, or for the enforcement of or compliance with Federal legal requirements that relate to those programs. These entities may make further disclosures of PII to outside entities that are designated by them as their authorized representatives to conduct any audit, evaluation or enforcement or compliance activity on their behalf, if applicable requirements are met. (Section 99.31(a)(3) and 99.35).
• In connection with financial aid for which the student has applied or which the student has received, if the information is necessary for such purposes as to determine eligibility for the aid, determine the amount of the aid, determine the conditions of the aid, or enforce the terms and conditions of the aid. (Section 99.31(a)(4))
• To State and local officials or authorities to whom information is specifically allowed to be reported or disclosed by a State statute that concerns the juvenile justice system and the system’s ability to effectively serve, prior to adjudication, the student whose records were released, subject to Section 99.38. (Section 99.31(a)(5))
• To organizations conducting studies for, or on behalf of, the school, in order to:
  • (a) develop, validate, or administer predictive tests;
  • (b) administer student aid programs; or
  • (c) improve instruction, if applicable requirements are met. (Section 99.31(a)(6))
• To accrediting organizations to carry out their accrediting functions. (Section 99.31(a)(7))
• To parents of an eligible student if the student is a dependent for IRS tax purposes. (Section 99.31(a)(8))
• To comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena if applicable requirements are met. (Section 99.31(a)(9))
• To appropriate officials in connection with a health or safety emergency, subject to Section 99.36. (Section 99.31(a)(10)
• Information the school has designated as “directory information” if applicable requirements under Section 99.37 are met. (Section 99.31(a)(11))
• To an agency caseworker or other representative of a State or local child welfare agency or tribal organization who is authorized to access a student’s case plan when such agency or organization is legally responsible, in accordance with State or tribal law, for the care and protection of the student in foster care placement. (20 U.S.C. Section 1232g(b)(1)(L))
• To the Secretary of Agriculture or authorized representatives of the Food and Nutrition Service for purposes of conducting program monitoring, evaluations, and performance measurements of programs authorized under the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act or the Child Nutrition Act of 1966, under certain conditions. (20 U.S.C. Section 1232g(b)(1)(K))

NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATION

Applicants for admission and employment, students, parents, employees, sources of referral of applicants for admission and employment, organizations holding professional agreements with the Petal School District are hereby notified that this District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability in admission or access to, or treatment of or employment in its programs and activities. Any person with inquiries concerning the District’s compliance with the regulations implementing The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or Section 504 should contact

Katie Charleville, Director of Special Services | Petal School District Office of Special Services | 617 South Main Street Petal, MS 39465 | 601.582.4247

ASBESTOS SURVEILLANCE

All persons have the option to review the asbestos management plan, which would include documentation of any changes of asbestos containing material in the school. To provide continuing management of the asbestos in our school, all asbestos containing materials (ACM) are inspected every six months by an engineering firm from Jackson, MS. Any changes in the ACM are being recorded in a surveillance report as part of the management plan. The three-year re-inspection of our buildings has been performed as required. A copy of the re-inspection has been filed with the State Department of Education.

A copy of the surveillance and re-inspection reports, along with a copy of the management plan, is located in the principal’s office at each school. In addition, a copy of all management plans for the district is maintained in the superintendent’s office located at 103 East Central Ave, Petal. Any interested party should feel free to go to any of these locations to review these reports.

ACCESS TO THE INTERNET

Purpose and Scope

Computer technology has advanced to the point where a person operating a common, everyday personal computer, typical of that used in the home or office, now has the capability of accessing and exploring literally thousands of computerized libraries, databases and other computerized information sources, and connecting with millions of computer users all over the world for purposes of sharing and exchanging information and ideas. This capability is possible simply by connecting with and tapping into an interconnection of computers in a global, information-based computer network referred to as the internet. The types of information available through this network are virtually limitless and cover the spectrum from the kind of information that adds to our body of productive knowledge and which is educationally valuable on one end, to the kind of information that serves our human desires to be entertained and amused and which, in the main, serves no recognized educational purpose at the other. This information may come across the internet in written, graphic or pictorial form and with sound in some instances.

The availability of this technology as a resource, and the convenience it affords to those who depend on accurate information that is readily available, have obvious benefits to everyone. From the standpoint of instruction in the K-12 educational arena, the availability of this technology as a district-proven resource has the potential for tremendous benefits to students and staff in terms of its use as an instructional tool within and outside of the classroom as well as an educational resource for study, exploration and research. At the same time, however, the availability of this technology in the school environment also presents certain challenges. One major challenge is the ability to restrict district provided access to the internet to only those who facilitate obtaining information for research and instruction in support of and consistent with the educational goals and objectives of the school district. The purpose of this policy is to provide standards and establish guidelines for the acceptable use of this district-provided resource by students and staff within the Petal School District.

Responsibilities and Board Expectations of Parents, Students and Staff

Use of district-provided access to the internet in PSD will be regarded as a privilege and not a right. Students interested in accessing the internet through the district-provided access must first obtain permission to use the equipment from a PSD instructional staff member such as the student’s teacher, support staff members or another member of the school’s administrative or teaching staff. It is expected that student access to the internet will be structured in ways which point students to those resources which have been evaluated prior to use. However, parents must recognize and understand that students will be capable of moving beyond the known resources to others that have not been previewed by the staff, and which may not be educationally related or otherwise appropriate in the school environment. The teaching staff will endeavor to monitor access to and use of these resources, but it must remain clearly understood by parents, guardians and the community at large that there can be no absolute assurance that students will restrict their use to only educationally related, school appropriate sources.

All student users of the district-provided internet access are expected to exhibit behavior, while engaged on-line, consistent with the standards established in the PSD policy on student discipline. All users, whether student or staff, who will use the district provided access to the internet and who engage in conduct in violation of the acceptable use standard established by PSD will be subject to having their access privileges suspended and/or revoked consistent with the school’s authority and responsibility to maintain discipline in the schools. With the use of district-owned, school based computers, or district owned accounts users shall not have or claim to have any expectation of privacy with regard to the storage of files or information. In that regard, the use of memory and storage in connection with district-provided access to the internet will be treated like school lockers. The professional staff may review all files and messages exchanged on the systems in order to maintain system integrity and ensure that users are acting responsible and consistent with acceptable use standards.

Regarding the acceptable use standards, the following uses of the district-provided internet access or district owned accounts are not permitted:

1. Transmitting, uploading, downloading or otherwise accessing abusive, hateful, degrading, demeaning, derogatory or defamatory materials, information or communications;
2. Transmitting, uploading, downloading or otherwise accessing pornographic, obscene, sexually explicit, indecent or vulgar materials, information or communications;
3. Vandalizing, damaging, disabling or gaining unauthorized access to another person’s property files, data or material;
4. Engaging in commercial or business activity;
5. Transmitting, uploading or downloading any material in violation of copyright protections;
6. Engaging in any other activity contrary to any local, state or federal laws, rules or regulations.

Before being permitted use of the system, students, parents, school personnel and other users, will be asked to sign a statement agreeing to abide by the above guidelines. A violation of the above guidelines for acceptable use of internet access will result in disciplinary action including possible loss of internet privileges.

By providing means to access the internet using PSD owned and school based equipment and accounts, it must be clearly understood that PSD makes absolutely no warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the internet. The PSD will not be responsible for any loss occasioned as a result of nature or quality of information stored on external storage devices, hard drives or servers. Further, PSD will not be responsible for any unauthorized, personal expenses or financial obligations incurred as a result of use of the district-provided access to the internet or district owned accounts.

The superintendent is authorized to develop additional rules and regulations to implement the purpose and intent of this policy.

School Colors | Red and White

• School Mascot | Panther

Alma Mater

Our strong band can ne’er be broken

Formed at Petal High

Far surpassing wealth unspoken

Sealed by friendship’s tie.

Alma Mater, Alma Mater

Deep graven on each heart,

Shall be found unwav’ring true,

When we from life shall part

High school life at best is passing

Gliding swiftly by;

Then let us pledge in word and deed,

Our love for Petal High

Alma Mater, Alma Mater

Deep graven on each heart,

Shall be found unwav’ring true,

When we from life shall part 

Petal High School

*No students on campus prior to 8 a.m. (0 period students excluded.) All students should be picked up by 4:30 p.m. unless participating in a school-sponsored event.

PMS BELL SCHEDULE

*No Students on campus prior to 8 a.m.

1.1- School Counselors

1.2- School Services

The counselors aim to help each pupil profit as much as possible from his/her school program experiences. The guidance and counseling process is based on an understanding of each student gained from his/her school history (record), from the study of his/her background, and the analysis of available test results. Emphasis is placed upon the ability of the student to make wise decisions and solve his/her problems independently so that he/she may grow and mature, making his/her unique contributions to society positively. School counselors shall provide the following comprehensive counseling services:  

1. educational consultations and collaboration with teachers, administrators, parents and community leaders;
2. identify abilities, interests and special aptitudes by use of standardized tests and  other sources of information;
3. career and education counseling; provide information on career opportunities;
4. individual and group counseling; conflict resolution;
5. crisis intervention and preventive counseling;
6. referrals to community agencies;
7. supporting good attendance in school.

Parents and students desiring a conference can reach out to the student’s counselor through phone and/or email. Students planning to transfer to another school should report with their parents to the counselor to fill out the proper withdrawal forms. 

1.3- PHS Career and Technical Support Services

Students taking Career and Technical skills programs may receive support services from the Student Services Coordinators. The services provided may include the following:

• identification of disadvantaged/disabled students
• assessing the interests, aptitudes and abilities of special populations students enrolled in Career and Technical programs;
• ensuring the special populations students are provided with supplementary services required by law to be successful in Career and Technical programs;
• provide guidance, counseling, and career development services or referrals to assist special populations students in achieving realistic educational and career goals;
• planning of programs, counseling, and support of pregnant teens and single parents in the Petal School District.

1.4- Career and Technical Support Services Personnel

• Student Services Coordinators

  • Victoria Anglin

  • Rebeccah Lambert
• CTE Counselor
  • Emily Calcote

1.5- PARENT/GUARDIAN– TEACHER CONFERENCES

Parent/guardian-teacher conferences are encouraged. The purpose of parent-teacher conferences is to foster communication between the school and parents/guardians relative to the student’s development. In the event a parent/guardian desires to meet with his/her student's teacher(s), the following procedure should be followed:

1. Parents/guardians should contact the counselors’ office at the school for an appointment that is convenient to the parent and teacher and does not disrupt the instructional day.

2. Parents/guardians should state the nature and purpose of the conference at the time the appointment is made. This will ensure that the teacher has the appropriate information needed to answer parent/guardian concerns.
3. Parent/guardian-teacher conferences are confidential and should address the individual needs of the student. Conferences with groups of parents/guardians with individual teachers do not provide the proper forum for addressing the individual needs of students. 

1.6 ENTRANCE/CLASSIFICATION  

To advance to the ninth grade, a student must complete 16 courses during the sixth, seventh and eighth grades. The student must achieve at least a 65 average or above in all except one of the required courses. The required courses are math, English, social studies and science.

• Grade 10 needs six credits
• Grade 11 needs 13 credits
• Grade 12 needs 20 credits 

Students must make up courses failed as soon as possible by attending credit recovery. Students will not be able to take Algebra I, Biology, English II or U.S. History in summer school without special permission from the principal.

1.7 - REQUIREMENTS FOR ENTRANCE AND CLASSIFICATION

PETAL MIDDLE SCHOOL

1. Students who enroll in the seventh grade must have completed the requirements for the sixth grade.
2. Students entering the seventh grade must have received the Tdap vaccination, as required by the Mississippi Department of Health.
3. Students must pass math and language arts for the school year to be promoted to the next grade.
4. Students who fail both history and science for the school year will be retained.

1.8 - TRANSFERS FROM OTHER SCHOOLS

Principals shall be governed by the regulations of the Mississippi Commission for School Accreditation in the grade classification of pupils from accredited and non-accredited schools. The school will not accept students  from schools or programs (including correspondence, tutorial or home study) that are not accredited by a state or regional agency without administering standardized achievement tests and/or teacher-made special subject tests to determine:

• (1) the grade level to which the transfer student should be assigned; or

• (2) the number and validity of the Carnegie units the secondary transfer student has earned.

As required through the Family Rights and Privacy Act, Federal regulation 99.34 and formulated through regulation 99.5 the Petal School District will forward educational records on request to a school in which a student seeks or intends to enroll.

1.9 - RESIDENCY, CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE

New students entering the Petal School District must present the following before a student is allowed to attend class:

1. Verification of student residency
   • A student must live with a parent or legal guardian in the Petal School District to be enrolled in a Petal school. All students are required to verify their residence address as part of the registration process. The parent/guardian of a student seeking to enroll must provide the school with at least one of the following items from each group as verification of their address, except that any document with a post office box as an address shall not be accepted:
     • Group 1: Mortgage Document receipt showing physical address, Lease - with effective dates or current receipt, Deed.
     • Group 2: Electric bill with name and address (within 30 days), Gas bill with name and address (within 30 days), Water bill with name and address (within 30 days)
2. Certificate of Compliance
   • All students will present verification of up-to-date immunization compliance forms issued through the Mississippi Health Department or any local physician. (MS Codes 37-7 301, 41-43-37):
     • Beginning with the 1993-94 school year, the Mississippi State Department of Health requires that all children entering an elementary or secondary school for the first time must have proof of two doses of MMR vaccine. The first dose must be on or after the first birthday and the second dose must be at least 30 days after the the first. The only exceptions are
       • children with a documented history of physician-diagnosed measles or serologic evidence of immunity to measles, or
       • children with a valid Certificate of Medical Exception (Form No. 122.) A medical exemption may be recommended by the child’s physician and must be approved by the local health officer. Valid contraindications to the MMR vaccine are rare. Two doses of MMR vaccine are recommended for all other school children. The certificate of Immunization Compliance, (Form No. 122) and the Temporary Compliance form (Form No. 123) are being revised to include the two-dose MMR requirement.
     • Before entering seventh grade, students are required to have the Tdap vaccination. To enroll and receive a schedule at Petal Middle School, the Certificate of Immunization Compliance (Form No. 121) must be presented.
3. Proof of Guardianship
   • Legal guardianship shall be verified by a court decree declaring the district resident to be the legal guardian of the student. Any student living with someone other than their natural parents must present guardianship papers or proof from an attorney that guardianship papers have been requested. Students of divorced parents must be residing with a parent who has legal custody. Any legal guardianship formed to establish residency for school district attendance purposes shall not be recognized by the Petal School Board.
4. Withdrawal Records From Former School
   • All students should officially withdraw from their previous school before attempting to enter the Petal School District. Copies of withdrawal papers are to be submitted before enrollment. Any student wishing to enroll who has been expelled or suspended from their former school must have approval from the administration before admittance.
5. Birth Certificate
   • The student’s birth certificate number must be recorded in their cumulative folder. Students not in compliance have 60 days to comply with this requirement or be suspended from school until compliance.

Enrollment in Petal School District becomes official after students have completed the above and with the release of school records from the former school.

 It shall be the policy of the Petal School District that no minor child may enroll in or attend any school except the school district of their residence unless such child be lawfully transferred from the school district of their residence to a school in another school district in accord with the statutes of this state (MS Code 37-7-301, 41-23-37). Transfers will be accepted on an individual, temporary, space-available basis.

The superintendent, at his/her discretion, may deny student transfers when said transfers would result in negative financial, legal and/or program consequences for the Petal School District. Further, the superintendent may deny student transfers when in his/her opinion; the transfers will have a negative financial, legal and/or program effect on the transferring school district. Only students who are in good standing with the transferring school district will be accepted. Students who have experienced disciplinary or academic problems will not be accepted by this district. A student must have an acceptable academic achievement record in the transferring school to be eligible for enrollment in a Petal School. Absences accumulated from the former school will be counted in total absences for transfer students to Petal High School.

A transfer student’s privilege to continue attendance at a Petal School is contingent upon their conduct. Any transfer student who does not conduct himself/herself acceptably will lose their privilege to attend school in the Petal School District.

However, those children whose parent(s) or legal guardian(s) are instructional personnel or certified employees of the Petal School District may at such employee’s discretion enroll and attend the school or schools of their parent’s or legal guardian’s choice regardless of the residence of the student.

Consideration will be given to those special education students with special programming needs who reside in another school district where appropriate programming for those special education students is not available.

For a student to be legally transferred from their residence to another school district in situations other than the ones described above, the parent or legal guardian must file with the president or secretary of the school board of the school district in which the pupil has been enrolled or is qualified to be enrolled as a student, a petition stating this desire. Both school boards must mutually consent to the transfer and the conditions and provisions of the transfer. 

1.10 - STUDENT RECORDS  

Permanent school records are kept on all students in their respective schools. These records enable maximum information to be gathered as the school endeavors to provide for each student’s needs. Upon parental or legal guardian’s written request, the permanent record of that parent or guardian’s student shall be made available. Students 18 years of age or older shall be granted opportunities upon written request. No records or record information shall be released to third parties unless written approval has been given to the school by the student’s parents/legal guardians of the student who is 18 years of age or older.

When a student transfers from this school system to another, the student’s records will be forwarded upon request to the receiving school. If the student has outstanding fees or textbooks, transfer records will be delayed until all accounts have been cleared. The Petal School District is required to verify the actual residence of any student requesting transfer of records. The district will use objective and reliable methods to verify students’ addresses for all transfers during the registration and at random throughout the year.

The following information is considered directory information and can be released to the public: honors information, scholarship information, photos/videos and grade classification. Any student’s parents/guardians who do not want this information released must contact the school in writing within the first 10 school days after receiving the student/parent handbook. All transcripts requested after graduation cost $5.00 (cash) and may be obtained in the Guidance Office. 

1.12 - CREDIT RECOVERY

A credit recovery program is offered for students to gain credit for courses that they have previously failed. Credit recovery is a part of the District Dropout Prevention Program. Applicable fees will be required.

Eighth-grade students who failed math, Mississippi Studies or Introduction to World Geography may have the opportunity to enter the summer credit recovery program at Petal Middle School with permission from the administration of the middle school principals. A summer school program will be at Petal Middle School for students who failed seventh-grade math or English or eighth-grade English.

Students in Algebra I, Biology I, English II and U.S. History will not be allowed to take these courses in summer school outside the Petal School District unless special permission is given by the principal and guidance office.

The following guidelines have been established for credit recovery:

1. Counselors and administrators will approve students appropriate for participation in a credit recovery program offered at Petal High School.
2. Course content shall be based on the curriculum guidelines approved by the Mississippi Department of Education.
3. The method of instruction will be determined by the principal based on available resources and can include the use of a teacher delivery system or an online computer-based program. All testing will occur in the presence of designated school personnel.

Seniors must complete spring semester courses and receive a grade by the completion of senior exams to participate in graduation exercises. Senior grades are final upon completion of final exams. Seniors who have not met graduation requirements must enroll in summer credit recovery to complete graduation requirements.

1.13 Early Graduation

Students who meet the requirements for graduation before the end of their eighth semester of enrollment may request to graduate early. Graduating early will likely have implications for college admission, financial aid, class rank and more. Students who pursue early graduation are responsible for understanding all of these implications and should schedule a meeting with their counselor before requesting an application. Students who wish to graduate early must request an early graduation application from their counselor and receive approval from the principal by the deadlines described below.

December graduates- Students who wish to graduate after their seventh semester must submit an early graduation application to their counselor by the course request deadline of their junior year.

Junior graduates - Students who wish to graduate after their sixth semester must submit an early graduation application to their counselor and receive approval from the principal by the course request deadline of their sophomore year.

1.14 SENIOR COLLEGE ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS

There are four ways to gain admission to a university in Mississippi.

1. Complete the College Prep Curriculum with a minimum of 3.2 GPA and a submitted ACT or SAT score OR
2. Complete the College Prep Curriculum with a minimum of 2.5 GPA and score at least 16 or higher on the ACT (at least 770 on the SAT) or rank in the upper 50% of your class. OR
3. Complete the College Prep Curriculum with a minimum 2.0 GPA and score 18 or higher on the ACT (at least 850 on the SAT.) OR
4. Satisfy the NCAA standard for student-athletes who are “full qualifiers under Division 1 guidelines.”

1.15 COLLEGE PREP CURRICULUM

The College Prep Curriculum for students graduating from high school and entering a public institution of higher learning is as follows:

• English: four Carnegie Units – Compensatory Reading and Compensatory Writing may not be included.
• Mathematics: four Carnegie Units – Includes Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II, and any Carnegie Unit of comparable rigor and content. (e.g., Advanced Algebra, Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus, Calculus, AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus, BC, Discrete Mathematics, Probability and Statistics, or AP Statistics). Does not include Foundations of Algebra.
• Science: four Carnegie Units – Includes Biology I, Chemistry I, and any two Carnegie Units of comparable rigor and content. (e.g., Physics, Physical Science, Biology II, Chemistry II, AP Chemistry, Physics II, AP Physics B, AP Physics C – Electricity and Magnetism, and AP Physics C – Mechanics, Botany, Microbiology, or Human Anatomy and Physiology.)
• Social Studies: four Carnegie Units – Includes World History, U.S. History, Introduction to World Geography, U.S. Government, Economics, and Mississippi Studies. (Credit earned for a State/Local Government course in any other state may stand instead of Mississippi Studies.)
• Arts: One Carnegie Unit – Includes any one Carnegie Unit of visual and performing arts course(s) meeting the requirements for high school graduation.
• Advanced Electives: Two Carnegie Units – Includes any two Carnegie Units of Foreign Language (I and II), Advanced World Geography and a Foreign Language (I) or any combination of English, Mathematics, or lab-based science courses of comparable rigor and content to those required above.
• Computer Applications: 1/2 Carnegie Unit – The course should emphasize the computer as a productivity tool. Instruction should include the use of application packages, such as word processing and spreadsheets. The course should also include basic computer terminology and hardware operation.
• Pre-High School Units: Algebra I, first-year Foreign Language, or Mississippi Studies taken before high school will be accepted for admission, provided the course content is the same as the high school course.
• For more information go to www.mississippi.edu/admissions/curriculum.asp

1.16- COURSES OFFERED (** PMS Course w/PHS Credit)

1.17 VALEDICTORIAN AND SALUTATORIAN

A valedictorian and salutatorian will be named for each graduating class. The numerical average for classes will be used to determine class rank. If there is a tie in numerical average, then the student with the highest numerical average and highest achieved ACT score will be selected. The salutatorian will be selected in the same manner. The February ACT score of the student's senior year will be the last score used in consideration. Only first-time grades will be used to determine valedictorian and salutatorian honors.

1.18 THE ADVANCED PLACEMENT PROGRAM 

Advanced Placement courses offer students the opportunity to participate in college-level work while still in high school. They are available to qualified, academically oriented students in grades 9-12. Upon completion of the AP course, students will take the nationally administered examination associated with the course. According to their performance in the examination, they may receive college credit for each examination they take. This makes it possible for a student who is successful in the exam(s) and in the course(s) to enter college with one or more college courses already completed.

Testing for the AP program will be conducted in the spring of each year. AP exam dates are set by the College Board.

Petal High School offers the AP Capstone program. Students can earn either the AP Capstone Diploma™ or the AP Seminar and Research Certificate™. AP Capstone Awards are listed on AP score reports, and students who earn the diploma or certificate can view and print it from their online account. Awards are also included on any AP score report sent to colleges. Here are the requirements to earn an AP Capstone award:

• The AP Capstone Diploma is granted to students who earn scores of three or higher in AP Seminar and AP Research and on four additional AP Exams of their choosing.
• The AP Seminar and Research Certificate is granted to students who earn scores of three or higher in both AP Seminar and AP Research.

1.19 DUAL ENROLLMENT

High school juniors or seniors may take one (1) college course per term provided the course does not interfere with their high school curriculum, and they meet the requirements of the college they are attending. A second course may be taken each term with special permission from the school counselor and approval by the principal. To be dually enrolled, a student must secure a letter of recommendation from their high school counselor.

1.20 DUAL CREDIT

Juniors and seniors will have the opportunity to enroll in several dual credit courses that will be offered. Students can receive a Carnegie Unit and three hours of college credit by passing these courses. Students must have at least a 20 composite score on the ACT or administrator approval and a 3.0 GPA for students who have not taken the ACT. There is a fee to enroll.

1.21 STUDENT FEES

Petal High School

Petal Middle School

1.22 GRADING SYSTEM AND REPORT TO STUDENTS AND PARENT

During each nine-week term, tests and other means are used by teachers to measure the progress students have made in various subjects. The grade given at the end of each nine weeks indicates the quality of work a student is doing. Grades are available on ActiveParent and ActiveStudent.

Explanation of Marks:

• A: 90-100
• B: 80 to 89
• C: 70 to 79
• D: 65-69
• F: Grade below 65-Failure

• No passing grade of less than 65 or more than 100 should be recorded on the cumulative folder or report card.
• The school session is divided into two semesters. Each semester is further divided into two nine-week terms.
• Grades are posted each nine-week term.
• Individual grades during a term are combined to create an average for the term. The weight of individual assignments may vary by assignment type (i.e. tests and daily grades).
• The semester and yearly grades are to be determined as follows:
  • (a.) The average of the two nine-week grades will be the semester grade.
  • (b.) The yearly average is determined by averaging the two semester grades.

In the event a student’s numerical grading period averages less than 50, the average will be recorded as 50 for each grading period only in the first half of the course. The student’s actual average will be recorded each grading period for the second half of the course.

1.23 ADVANCED PLACEMENT AND ACCELERATED/SPECIAL COURSE WEIGHTS

Advanced Placement (AP) and Accelerated/Special Courses are inherently more rigorous and challenging than regular coursework at PHS. Therefore, a weighted grading system will be used for these courses. Weighted grading is a system of evaluating academic achievement based on the level of difficulty of the courses taken. The weighted grade points are only used to determine the student’s overall grade point average (GPA) while attending Petal Schools. Each grade recorded on a student’s record is the grade he or she earned while enrolled in that class. All students are encouraged to pursue these courses and these courses are weighted accordingly:

• Advanced Placement (AP) courses– 1.10
• Accelerated/Special Courses– 1.05

*Accelerated/Special Courses: Advanced Geometry, Physics I, Algebra III, Accelerated World History, Accelerated English I & II, Dual Enrollment and Dual Credit courses.

1.24 Final GPA, Honors/High Honors Recognition

The final GPA will be the numerical average calculated after the completion of the student’s seventh semester of enrollment. This final GPA will be used to determine Honors/High Honors recognition at graduation. Students who earn a final GPA of 90.0- 94.99 will receive Honors and students who earn a final GPA of 95 and above will receive High Honors.

1.25 STUDENT PROGRESS REPORTS

During the fifth week of each nine-week term, teachers will post each student’s progress report.

1.26 EXEMPTION POLICY (PHS)

Senior Final Exam Exemptions (end-of-course)

Seniors who have no unexcused absences for the school year may choose to be exempt from any/all end-of-course exams in courses for which they have achieved at least a 65 academic average.

1.27 ONLINE COURSES

Students may enroll in an online course with the approval of the counselor and principal. Students wishing to take an online course should read this policy carefully and meet with their counselor. Students will only be allowed to enroll in online courses under the following circumstances:

1. The student has failed a required course for graduation and wishes to retake the course online.
2. The student is short elective credits for graduation and needs to take an online elective course to graduate on time.
3. The student wishes to take a course that is not offered at PHS.
4. The student wishes to take an additional course to become IHL eligible. This would only be allowed in cases where the student cannot fit this course into his/her schedule during the school day at PHS.
5. Subject-area tested courses may not be approved for online unless the student has previously passed the End of Course State Test for that course.
6. Other unusual circumstances must be presented in writing, and approval is at the discretion of the principal.

1.28 SEAL OF BILITERACY

The procedures in this section shall constitute a good-faith effort by the Petal School District to comply with state law, to foster academic growth, and to establish expectations of each student at Petal High School/Petal Middle School to attend classes on a regular basis.

2.1 STATE LAW

The law requires that the superintendent, or his/her designee, report immediately to the local school attendance officer any compulsory school-age child who has not enrolled within 15 calendar days after the first day of the school year. In addition, the superintendent, or his/her designee, will report any child with five unexcused absences to the school attendance officer for appropriate consultation between the officer and parents/guardians. When the child has 12 unexcused absences, the law provides that charges of “Education Child Neglect” may be brought against the parent/guardian. Potential punishment for Education Child Neglect is a fine of up to $1,000 and/or 1 year in jail. The School Attendance Officer is available to assist parents in having their children understand the importance of getting an education through our public school system.

2.2 EXCUSED ABSENCES

• A compulsory-school-age child who is absent more than 37% of the instructional day must be considered absent the entire day. A compulsory-school-age child with documented participation in an activity authorized by the State Board of Education shall be considered present for purposes of determining and reporting attendance for average daily attendance.

  When absences do occur, school personnel will classify the absence as excused or unexcused. Each of the following will constitute a valid excuse for absences of a school-age student enrolled in school, provided evidence of the excuse is provided to school personnel.

1. authorized school activities

2. illness or injury of the student

3. isolation of the student by health officials

4. death or serious illness of a member of the immediate family of the student

5. medical or dental appointments

6. proceedings of a court when the student is a party to the action or is under subpoena

7. required religious observance or event

8. educational opportunities such as travel with the prior approval of the principal

9. other emergency or unusual conditions subject to the approval of the principal

Excused absences are granted once validated. A note, email or fax from parents/guardians, a medical or dental excuse or court documentation must be received within two days of the student returning to school if the absence is to be excused. Students who receive an excused absence will not be penalized in grading, provided they make up the work missed. This work must be made up immediately upon returning to school after receiving the excused absences. The amount of time for make-up work will be equal to the number of days of excused absences plus one additional day.

An unexcused absence is an absence during a school day that is not due to a valid excuse. When a student accumulates five (5) unexcused absences, a report will be made to the Attendance Officer. An out-of-school suspension is considered an unexcused absence.

After a student has exceeded five (5) absences each semester, he/she must present a doctor’s excuse or court documentation for each additional day missed.

The school recognizes that regular attendance is important if students are to attain the maximum benefit from the educational process and develop good work habits that carry over into their adult life. Parents and students are expected to abide by the Compulsory School Attendance Law. To support the child’s academic success, the Teacher Support Team of the school will monitor students with excessive absences. This team, with the parent, will develop a plan for encouraging and rewarding consistent school attendance. Students with excessive absences may not be eligible to attend field trips or participate in other school-sponsored activities.

2.3 UNEXCUSED ABSENCES

Also according to state law (37-13-91), an “unlawful” absence is an absence for which the student does not have a valid excuse, including days missed because of disciplinary suspension. These absences are also called unexcused absences. If the student does not turn in an excuse on or before the second day of the student’s return to school, then the absence may be considered unexcused. The principal has the authority to review absences to determine necessary exceptions.

2.4 MAKE-UP WORK FOR ABSENCES

• The student may be allowed to make up work missed following an absence. The make-up work may be done under the following provisions:

1. The students have to see the teacher for make-up assignments.
2. Once the teacher gives the make-up work to the student, the student has the same number of days to complete and turn in the work as the number of days he/she missed.
3. Tests and assignments made before a student’s absence are due upon the student’s return to school.
4. If a student fails to appear for an appointment for make-up work without being excused by the teacher, he/she has forfeited his right to make-up work.

2.5 ASSIGNMENTS FOR EXTENDED ABSENCES

By the second day of absence, a student’s parent or guardian should call the PHS office (601.583.4688) or the PMS office (601.584.6301) to ensure the student has access to his/her classwork. These assignments may be picked up at the office or accessed through an electronic management system.

In cases of chronic, unexcused absences, access to electronic management systems (i.e. Canvas) may be denied following review by counselors and/or principals.

2.6 PERFECT ATTENDANCE

Perfect Attendance shall be defined and observed as no absences, no tardiness to school, and no early dismissals from school. Exceptions shall be school bus tardiness or school-sponsored field trips.

2.7 TARDY POLICY

Petal Middle and Petal High School expect students to be on time for each class; therefore, tardies are recorded for students who fail to do so. Students will receive one warning per class for a tardy, and each tardy after that could result in the student being assigned detention or ISR and placed on the discipline ladder. Tardies will start over every nine weeks.

A student is tardy if arriving at any time after the tardy bell for the first period. Any student who is tardy to school must report to the office to sign in before going to class. Only three excused tardies to school are allowed per term. Each tardy after that could result in the student being assigned detention or ISR and placed on the discipline ladder. Tardies to school will start over every nine weeks.

2.8 CHECK-OUT PROCEDURE

PHS
Students who check out of school early MUST present a note from their parent/guardian to the office before 8:30 a.m. on the day they are requesting early dismissal. Students approved to leave early must sign out in the office before leaving school. Unauthorized checkouts and/or leaving campus without signing out will be treated as leaving school without permission. If a student must leave school early and a note from the parent/guardian is not presented, the student’s parent/guardian will be required to come to the school to sign the student out. Phone calls will not be accepted for early dismissal of students. The principal must approve early dismissal after 3:30 p.m.

A parent/guardian can come to the school and complete a Checkout Authorization Form that will authorize someone other than the parent-guardian who is 21 years of age or older to check out the student. Excessive checkouts result in loss of instructional time and also disruptions of class.

PMS
All requests for early dismissal should be in the office by 9 a.m. except, of course, for dismissals that are due to unforeseen emergencies. All pupils dismissed from school will have to be picked up by the parent/guardian or designated representative listed on the student’s check out card. Any written request for dismissal must have the date, reason, and parent's signature on the request. Permission must be secured from the principal, assistant principal or principal’s designee before any student can check out or leave the school grounds. Unauthorized check-outs will be treated as leaving school without permission which constitutes truancy. THERE WILL BE NO EARLY DISMISSAL AFTER 3:30 P.M. WITHOUT THE PRIOR APPROVAL OF THE PRINCIPAL. CHECK OUT PERSONS MUST BE 18 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER AND PREPARED TO SHOW A VALID I.D. Siblings with a valid license who are 16/17 years of age and listed as an approved checkout person may check out a student with parent approval.

2.9 EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES AND ABSENCES

No student missing 10 or more class periods in a course for which grades and/or credit are issued during the school year may participate in school-sponsored activities or trips unless approved by the school administration. A student must be in school at least 63% of the school day to participate in extracurricular activities during that school day unless special permission is granted by the principal and Director of Activities.

2.10 TRUANCY (SKIPPING)

3.1 DISCIPLINE

We recognize that for learning to take place we must maintain conditions conducive to learning. Respect for authority is a value to be stressed. All students are to conduct themselves in an appropriate manner at all school-sponsored activities. Failure to do so will result in the student losing his/her privilege to attend such functions.

3.2 DISCIPLINE LADDER STEPS/CONSEQUENCES

When a student is referred to the office, school personnel may contact parent/guardian and disciplinary action will be taken according to the following prescribed steps/consequences. Based on the severity of the offense the administrator has the authority to place the student on a higher step on the ladder. In regards to an initial bus referral, a Parental Contact Form is issued by the bus driver through the transportation department and sent home for a parent to read, sign and return to the bus driver. 

Step 1

• Up to three days of detention or one day of ISR, conference with principal, and/or up to two days off the bus
• Removal from ladder if not referred to office for 15 school days

Step 2

• Five days of detention or two days ISR or one day OSS, and/or up to five days off the bus
• Removal from ladder if not referred for 20 school days

Step 3

• Three days of ISS or two days OSS or any combination of ISR and OSS equal to three days, and/or up to 10 days off the bus 
• Removal from ladder if not referred to office for 25 school days

Step 4

• Any combination of ISR and OSS equal to three to five days and/or up to 20 days off the bus
• Removal from ladder if not referred to office for 30 school days

Step 5

• Any combination of  ISR and OSS equal to four to seven days and/or up to 45 days off the bus.  
• Moved from Step 5 to Step 4 if not referred to office for 45 school days
• No participation in or attendance at any after school activities for 20 school days

Step 6

• Four to nine days home suspension
• May recommend expulsion/re-assignment
• Placed on probation for 45 school days with no attendance or participation in any school activities for the duration of alternate placement
• Moved to Step 4 for 30 school days if not referred for discipline
• Bus violation, student is off the bus for the remainder of the year. 

Step 7

• Nine days suspension
• Recommend expulsion
• A student placed on Step 7 will have no attendance or participation in any school activities for the duration of the expulsion.

Administrators reserve the right to assign students to “pride projects” on the school grounds or in any of the buildings. The projects would involve litter control, special cleaning details, or other appropriate consequences for students who abuse the school grounds, buildings or facilities. The “pride projects” may be in addition to or in lieu of the consequences available on the discipline ladder, at the discretion of the administration.

3.3 BEHAVIORS THAT WILL BE REFERRED TO THE PRINCIPAL’S OFFICE

This list of infractions that will be referred to the office for disciplinary action is not "all-inclusive." Other infractions may be added as needed. The administration reserves the right to refer students for disciplinary action for other behaviors that disrupt the educational environment of the campus.

3.4 IN-SCHOOL REASSIGNMENT (ISR)

Any student may be placed in ISR, a program designed to keep students working productively at school while being restricted under disciplinary measures. The ISR program is an alternative to out-of-school suspension. Students scheduled to ISR will attend for their full schedule and will be reassigned to make up any missed time. Students who fail to follow ISR procedures or cannot properly conduct themselves while serving ISR will be re-assigned to ISR or given elevated consequences.

3.5 USE/POSSESSION OF DRUGS

No student attending school or any school-sponsored activity shall have or be under the influence of any compound or substance that can be taken orally, intravenously or inhaled.

REASONABLE SUSPICION TESTING

The Petal School District (PSD) may require any student to submit to a drug and/or alcohol test at the expense of the parent/guardian if there is reasonable suspicion that the student has or is using prohibited drugs and/or alcohol. The requirement of a drug and/or alcohol test is within the discretion of the PSD and is not a prerequisite to the administration of punishment under this policy.

The following circumstances shall constitute grounds for reasonable suspicion:

1. direct observation and/or confirmation by a PSD employee of drug and/or alcohol use or possession;
2. abnormal or erratic behavior indicating intoxication;
3. physical symptoms indicating intoxication including, but not limited to, glassy or bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, loss of balance, poor coordination or reflexes;
4. first-hand information provided by reliable and credible sources of use, possession or intoxication;
5. the presence of the drug or alcohol on the student, detectable by the senses, such as the smell of marijuana or alcohol; or
6. possession of illegal drugs; prescription drugs for which the student does not have a prescription; alcohol containers or drug paraphernalia.

Once reasonable suspicion is found by the administrator, they will contact the parent/guardian. The student will be immediately removed from school for a drug/alcohol test to be conducted within a five-hour block of time if the PSD decides to require submission to such a test.

DRUG AND ALCOHOL TESTING

Any student required to be tested under this policy will be accompanied by a PSD employee to a laboratory, or such other place qualified for drug/alcohol testing at the parent's/guardian's expense. If circumstances are such that a PSD employee cannot accompany this student for testing, the parent/guardian will still be required to have the testing completed. All specimens will be collected under reasonable and sanitary conditions. Individual dignity and privacy will be preserved to the extent practicable. Universally accepted standards for testing, labeling, storage, and transportation of specimens will be strictly followed by the testing facilities. The Medical Review Officer (MRO) will request information regarding prescription and nonprescription drugs and any other information that could lead to a false positive test. A refusal or failure to take a drug and alcohol test under the conditions of reasonable suspicion shall be considered a positive drug and alcohol-related offense. This procedure is for the discipline and protection of the students of this school district and their general welfare.

3.6 DETENTION PROGRAM

A detention program has been established for students who misbehave or who violate the school district’s discipline or behavioral policies and procedures. The detention program shall be Monday- Friday during school hours.

All detention shall be handled according to the following procedures:

1. All detention shall be served at the time assigned.
2. Absences due to personal illness, serious illness in the family, death in the family, or special permission obtained in advance from the principal, may be reassigned.
3. Failure to report to detention may result in ISR.
4. Students who cannot properly conduct themselves while serving detention will be re-assigned to detention or given ISR.

3.7 ELECTRONIC DEVICES/CELL PHONES

Parents, if you have an emergency and need to contact your child, please call the office and we will contact your student. Please do not try to contact him/her by cell phone. Students will be provided use of the office phone to call home for emergencies during school hours.

STUDENT EXPECTATIONS PMS ONLY

• Electronic devices for educational purposes, such as eReaders and tablets, are allowed in the classroom with the permission of the teacher and principal.
• All educational electronic devices must have a minimum of a six-inch diagonal screen.
• The student assumes responsibility for ensuring the item is not lost, damaged or stolen.
• The use of cell phones, smartwatches and wireless earbuds/headphones is prohibited between the hours of 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
• Students may not film other students, faculty or staff on school grounds or at school activities or post/share videos or pictures of other students, faculty or staff without administrative approval.
•  Inappropriate or unapproved usage of electronic devices will result in:
  • The device being taken up by the teacher and/or administrator.
  • Disciplinary action according to the discipline ladder/steps.
• Parents may retrieve electronic devices from a school administrator between 4-4:30 p.m. Any item not picked up by parents by the end of the school year could be discarded.

Any student caught using or in possession of an electronic device during State Testing will have their test invalidated, which means they fail the test and are subject to disciplinary action.

STUDENT EXPECTATIONS PHS ONLY

Personal and silent use of electronic devices for texting, listening to music, etc. is permitted only in the common areas before/after school and lunch.

Parents, if you have an emergency and need to contact your child, please call the office and we will contact your son/daughter. Please do not try to contact them by cell phone. PSD and its faculty and staff are not responsible for any damaged, missing or stolen cell phones. If a student has a cell phone and it is damaged or stolen, schools will not utilize administrative time to investigate the incident nor will the district or schools take any financial responsibility for the cell phone or cell phone charges.

• Students shall not use electronic devices in a manner that poses a threat to academic integrity, disrupts the learning environment or violates the privacy of others.
• Students may not possess a cell phone or any electronic device during testing, even if the device is turned off or the student is not using it. Violation of this rule may result in the student’s score being invalidated and the student facing disciplinary action.
• In the learning environment, phones must be put away for the entire period.
• Earbuds and/or headphones are not allowed in the halls. Wireless earbuds and Bluetooth listening devices are not allowed in the learning environment.
• Taking photos or videos on the school campus or the bus is not allowed.
• Social media posts made outside of school that disrupt the school may result in disciplinary action.
• Sending, sharing, viewing, or possessing text messages, emails, or other material depicting sexually explicit or offensive content in electronic form on a cell phone or other electronic device while on the campus, or on the bus is prohibited. In addition to disciplinary consequences including possible loss of phone privilege for the remainder of the year, this is against the law. Students may face criminal charges as well.

Violation of the cell phone/electronic device policy will be referred to the office and the student will face the following consequences:

• First offense: The student will be assigned to submit his/her phone to the front office for a full school day. The phone will be returned to the student at the end of the assigned school day.
• All subsequent offenses will result in the student being placed on the discipline ladder.
• Students who do not follow electronic device/cell phone guidelines will be prohibited from the use of personal electronic devices. In all instances, the administrator will determine the length of time a student will be prohibited from the use of personal electronic devices.
• Students who refuse to give their devices to school personnel could result in further disciplinary action which may include suspension.

3.8 CHEATING

If a student is caught cheating, the student may receive a failing grade for the assignment or assessment. The teacher will notify students' parents through a phone call or conference.

3.9 HABITUALLY DISRUPTIVE STUDENTS

The term “disruptive behavior” means conduct of a student that is so unruly, disruptive or abusive that it seriously interferes with the teacher’s or administrator’s ability to communicate with the students in a classroom, interferes with a student’s ability to learn, or interferes with the operation of a school or school-related activity, and which is not covered by other law related to violence or possession of weapons or controlled substances on school property, school vehicles or at school-related activities. Such behaviors include, but are not limited to: foul, profane, obscene, threatening, defiant or abusive language or action toward teachers or other school employees; defiance, ridicule or verbal attack of a teacher; and /or willful, deliberate and overt acts of disobedience of the directions of a teacher. The teacher has the right to remove any student from class. The principal or assistant principal shall determine whether a child meets the definition of “disruptive” or “habitually disruptive.”

1. The term “habitually disruptive” refers to such actions of a student that disrupt a classroom on school property or vehicles or a school-related activity on more than two occasions during a school year, and to disruptive behavior that was initiated, willful and overt on the part of the student and which required the attention of school personnel to deal with disruption. However, no student shall be considered to be habitually disruptive before the development and implementation of a behavior modification plan for the student by the code of student conduct and discipline plans of the school district.
2. Any student who is 13 years of age or older for whom a behavior modification plan is developed by the school principal, reporting teacher and student’s parent/legal guardian and the student does not comply with the plan shall be deemed habitually disruptive and subject to expulsion on the occurrence of the third act of disruptive behavior during a school year. A principal or central office administrator may request that a functional behavior assessment be conducted for a child who is 13 years of age or older before an expulsion.

3.10 DISCIPLINARY CONFERENCES

1. A parent/legal guardian of a compulsory-school-age child enrolled in the PSD may be requested to appear at school by the school attendance officer or an appropriate school official for a disciplinary conference regarding the acts of the student.
2. A parent/legal guardian of a compulsory-school-age child enrolled in the PSD who refuses or willfully fails to attend a disciplinary conference may be summoned by the superintendent or the school attendance officer and may be required to attend a discipline conference.
3. A parent/legal guardian of a compulsory-school-age child enrolled in the PSD who refuses or willfully fails to attend a disciplinary conference shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction, shall be fined not to exceed two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00.)

3.11 STUDENT MAY BE DISCIPLINED FOR ACTS OR CRIMES OFF-CAMPUS

The responsibility for a student’s conduct rests with the parents/legal guardian and his/her student.

The principal has the authority to administer any disciplinary action approved by the PSD necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of all students. This administration will take whatever steps necessary to enforce the policies of the PSD. Any student arrested for a felony will be suspended and may be recommended for placement in an alternative school until the student is cleared of the felony charge.

To suspend or to expel a pupil or to change the placement of a pupil to the school district's alternative school or homebound program for misconduct in the school or on school property, as defined in Section 37-11-29, on the road to and from school, or at any school-related activity or event, or for conduct occurring on property other than school property or other than at a school-related activity or event when such conduct by a pupil, in the determination of the school superintendent or principal, renders that pupil's presence in the classroom a disruption to the educational environment of the school or a detriment to the best interest and welfare of the pupils and teacher of such class as a whole, and to delegate such authority to the appropriate officials of the school district

MISSISSIPPI STATE CODE 37-11- 29 STATES THAT THE PRINCIPAL IS REQUIRED WHEN HE/SHE HAS REASONABLE BELIEF THAT ANY UNLAWFUL ACTIVITY HAS OCCURRED ON EDUCATIONAL PROPERTY OR DURING A SCHOOL-RELATED ACTIVITY TO IMMEDIATELY REPORT THE ACT TO THE APPROPRIATE LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY. A STUDENT KNOWINGLY IN POSSESSION OF A WEAPON AS DEFINED BY MS CODE 97-37-17 AND/OR ANY IMITATION WEAPON WILL BE RECOMMENDED FOR EXPULSION, THE WEAPON WILL BE SEIZED AND THE MATTER WILL BE REFERRED TO THE APPROPRIATE LAW ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY.

Any student arrested for a felony will be suspended immediately from all extracurricular participation until the student is cleared of the felony charge. If the student is cleared of the felony or the felony charges are dropped, the student will be reinstated in all extracurricular activities in which he/she is involved. If the felony arrest is upheld by the courts, the student will be removed from all extracurricular activities for a minimum of one calendar year.

3.12 SUSPEND/RE-ASSIGN/EXPEL

The local school board shall have the authority to suspend/re-assign/expel a pupil or to change placement to an alternative school or a homebound program for misconduct:

• in the school,
• on the road to and from school
• at any school-related activity or event
• or on property other than school property or other than at a school-related event.

Authority exists when the superintendent or principal determines that such misconduct renders the pupil’s presence in the classroom a disruption to the educational environment or a detriment to the best interest and welfare of the pupils and teacher of such class as a whole. Cases involving expulsion are subject to review by the Petal School Board, and the student is entitled to a hearing before the board.

A student who has been expelled from Petal High School must apply and be approved for readmission to the regular school program. The application for readmission shall be in a form by the superintendent for such purpose.

TIME FOR READMISSION APPLICATION

1. If the expulsion was for a specified period of time, application for readmission should be made at least two weeks before the conclusion of the expulsion period.
2. If the expulsion was for an unspecified period of time, application for readmission may be made at any time after one year from the date of expulsion.
3. When the student is enrolled in another regular school program or participating in an alternative school or similar program during the expulsion period and at the time of application, application may be made any time after the conclusion of specified expulsion period or after one year from the date of expulsion.

The board may grant readmission or admission upon a documented statement showing that the student has participated in successful rehabilitative efforts including but not limited to progress in an alternative school or similar program.

3.13 APPEALS

ISR, detention and suspension of 10 days or less may not be appealed beyond the school principal. Any student’s parent or guardian aggrieved by the principal’s decision may request in writing a review of the decision by the principal.

Expulsion is defined as any denial of school attendance beyond 10 days which may be permanent or which may terminate at the beginning of the next school year provided sufficient rehabilitation can be demonstrated. A hearing before a district discipline review committee is automatic.

3.14 POWERS AND DUTIES OF SCHOOL BOARDS

(37-7-301) The school boards of all school districts shall have the following powers, authority and duties in addition to all others imposed or granted by law, to wit:

• (e) To suspend or to expel a pupil or to change the placement of a pupil to the school district’s alternative school or home-bound program for misconduct in the school or on school property, as defined in Section B7-11-29, on the road to and from school, or at any school-related activity or event, or for conduct occurring on property other than school property or other than at a school-related activity or event when such conduct by a pupil, in the determination of the school superintendent or principal, renders that pupil’s presence in the classroom disruption to the educational environment of the school or a detriment to the best interest and welfare of the pupils and teacher of such class as a whole, and to delegate such authority to the appropriate officials of the school district.

3.15 THREATS OF VIOLENCE/SERIOUS CRIMES ON OR OFF CAMPUS

Whenever there is a threat of violence against a student, faculty member, or staff member, extreme caution must be taken to ensure the safety of all concerned. Due to the increased violence in schools, threats of any kind cannot be tolerated or overlooked. If a student threatens another student, teacher, or school staff with bodily harm, immediate disciplinary action will be taken by the school. In addition to the discipline, the parents or guardian will be responsible for seeking outside professional counseling for their child before he/she will be allowed to return to regularly scheduled classes. A written and signed document must be presented to the principal from the counselor of the agency stating the student is not a threat to himself, other students, faculty or staff before readmission to regularly scheduled classes.

The superintendent, or his designee, shall have the authority to transfer to an alternative education program any student who has been arrested, arraigned for or convicted of or pleaded guilty or nolo contendere to a serious crime, as defined in this section, which occurred off of school property or away from school-related functions. A serious crime for this section is an illegal act that indicates the capacity and willingness of the student to injure students and employees with bodily harm, or to threaten to cause bodily harm or to place students and employees in danger of bodily harm. The superintendent, or his designee, will evaluate the circumstances of the serious crime to determine whether

• (1) the acts of the student indicate a present and possible danger to the health, safety, and welfare of one or more students or employees and
• (2) whether the more restrictive, security-oriented environment of an alternative education program would serve the educational interests of the student while preserving the safety of students and employees.

The school board shall review the student’s placement in any alternative program at the next regular meeting. Serious crimes shall include, without limitation, and as examples only:

1. Assault with a deadly weapon
2. Aggravated assault
3. Rape
4. Sexual battery, stalking or other sexual crime
5. Armed or strong-armed robbery (or attempted)
6. Sale or distribution of a controlled substance
7. Threats against a student or employee of the school district

Any student who is found to be guilty of hate crime-related activities, race bias harassment, or hazing-related to gender, race, sexual orientation, cultural bias or socioeconomic bias will be placed on the discipline ladder at Step 5 or higher with possible recommendation of expulsion and/or reassignment to the alternative school.

3.16 HARASSMENT/BULLYING

The faculty and staff are committed to a safe educational environment for all students, employees, volunteers and patrons, free from harassment, intimidation or bullying. “Harassment, intimidation or bullying” means any intentional written, verbal, or physical act, when the act:

• physically harms a student or damages the student’s property; or
• has the effect of substantially interfering with a student’s education; or
• is severe, persistent, or pervasive that it creates an intimidating or threatening educational environment; or
• has the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school.

Harassment, intimidation or bullying can take many forms including slurs, rumors, jokes, innuendos, demeaning comments, drawing cartoons, pranks, gestures, physical attacks, threats, or other written (including text messaging and other forms of electronic communications), oral or physical actions. “Intentional acts” refers to the individual’s choice to engage in the act rather than the ultimate impact of the action(s).

Counseling, corrective discipline and/or referral to law enforcement will be used to change the behavior of the perpetrator and remediate the impact on the victim. This includes appropriate intervention(s), restoration of a positive climate, and support for victims and others impacted by the violation. False reports or retaliation for harassment, intimidation or bullying also constitutes violations of this policy.

Sexual harassment is any unwanted or unwelcome verbal, written, or physical conduct of a sexual nature that interferes with a student’s right to learn or participate in a comfortable and supportive atmosphere. Sexual harassment committed by students of either sex against students or staff of the opposite or same sex constitutes inappropriate conduct.

Any student who feels that he/she has been a target of harassment or bullying or any parent who feels his/her student has been a target of harassment or bullying in school; on school property; or while participating in a school-sanctioned activity should report the incident promptly, orally, or in writing, to a school staff member, preferably the principal. All complaints will be investigated by the principal or his/her designee. Depending on the nature of the offense, disciplinary action ranging from counseling to suspension or expulsion may be taken consistent with school discipline policies. An allegation of harassment or bullying and the results of the investigation shall be kept confidential to the extent reasonably possible under the investigation process. Witnesses and those interviewed shall be informed of the confidential nature of the issues and the investigation and shall be informed that it will be a violation of this policy to disclose the allegation or the nature of the investigation to others and will be subject to disciplinary action.

School officials recognize the right of every student to take reasonable actions as may be necessary to defend himself or herself from an attack by another student who has evidenced bullying or harassing behaviors. The PSD defines “reasonable action” as promptly reporting the behavior to a teacher, principal, counselor or other school employee when subjected to bullying or other harassing behavior.

3.17 HAZING

Hazing is defined as any act that is physically or mentally abusive, degrading, or causes personal indignity to any student, faculty member or employee. Activity of this nature is inconsistent with the educational process and the mission statement of the PSD, and such activities are prohibited at all times. No administrator, faculty member, or any other employee of this school shall encourage, condone, tolerate or recklessly permit the hazing of any person. No student shall encourage or engage in the hazing of any person. If hazing or planned hazing is discovered by any administrator, faculty member, or employee, he/she will make reasonable attempts to prevent it, including but not limited to, informing involved students of the prohibition against hazing contained in this policy and requiring the students to cease all hazing immediately. ALL hazing incidents shall be reported to the principal immediately.

Anyone who participates, encourages, condones, tolerates or recklessly permits the hazing of any person may be subject to disciplinary action, and may be liable for civil and criminal penalties by Mississippi law. As defined in this policy, “hazing” includes doing any act or coercing another, including the victim, to do any act of initiation into, or affiliation with any organization that causes or creates a substantial risk of causing mental or physical harm to any person. The negligence, consent or assumption of the risk of any individual subjected to hazing does not lessen the prohibition contained in this policy.

3.18 BIAS BEHAVIOR

In the event it is found beyond reasonable doubt that an offense was committed because of the actual or perceived race, color, ancestry, ethnicity, religion, or national origin of the victim, consequences will be assigned based on the seriousness of the offense. This policy applies to all students, parents, school employees, and visitors while on school grounds and/or school-sponsored activities or to and from school.

Further action, as deemed necessary, may be taken under state statutes 99-301 and 99-19-307 of the Mississippi Code.

3.19 USE/POSSESSION OF DRUGS OR WEAPONS

No student attending school or any school-sponsored activity shall have or be under the influence of any compound or substance that can be taken orally, intravenously, or inhaled (including, but not limited to, alcohol, drugs, narcotics, tobacco, e-cigarettes and/or any paraphernalia). It is unlawful to bring any weapon on any educational property or any school-sponsored activity. A student knowingly in possession of a weapon as defined by MS Code 97-37-17 and/or any imitation weapon may be recommended for expulsion, the weapon seized and the matter referred to the appropriate law enforcement authority.

3.20 INTERVIEWS AND SEARCHES BY SCHOOL OFFICIAL

Students in the district have the right to privacy and security against arbitrary invasion of their personal property by school officials. However, the Board must maintain an atmosphere conducive to the pursuit of its educational goals, including a limited right to search students’ personal belongings when it is in the interest of the overall welfare of other students or is necessary to preserve the good order and discipline of the school.

Lockers can be opened and searched at any time by school officials. Searches may be conducted with reasonable suspicion by not less than two members of the professional staff. Any vehicle on any campus will be subject to search with reasonable suspicion. Parents/guardians will be notified following any student search. Any student who commits an unlawful act on school grounds, within 500 feet of school grounds, at a school-sponsored activity, or a school-related activity, is subject to having charges filed against him/her by the school district with the proper law enforcement officials.

School administrators and teachers have the right to interview students regarding their conduct and/or the conduct of others. Regarding students’ alleged actions, except where the alleged action would constitute a criminal offense, the right against self-incrimination does not exist.

A PSD Police Officer will be on patrol during school hours. Periodically throughout the school year, unannounced searches involving a narcotics-certified canine will be conducted.

3.21 PEER MEDIATION/CONFLICT MANAGEMENT

The school may require that a student or students participate in a peer mediation/conflict management program in addition to and as a part of disciplinary action.

3.22 SCHOOL BUS VIOLATION/DISCIPLINE

Parents and students are reminded that Mississippi law refers to riding a school bus as an “entitlement”, which means that public school districts are not required to provide transportation for any student who does not meet behavioral expectations. Riding the school bus is an extension of the school day, and the bus is considered a classroom on wheels. The following behaviors are expected of each student who rides a school bus in the Petal School District. Failure to meet these expectations could result in the student’s removal from the bus.

These are the expectations for riding the bus:

1. Sit where the bus driver assigns you, facing the front at all times, with your bottom on the seat, feet in front of you, remaining seated while the bus is in motion.

2. Keep your hands, elbows, feet, legs, etc. to yourself, following the “hands-off” policy.

3. Talk or speak to others in a respectable manner with an “inside” voice. Shouting, yelling or raising your voice and using vulgar language will be unacceptable.

4. Follow the same rules as at school concerning cell phones, and all other electronic devices.

5. Keep food and drinks in your bags at all times while on the school bus.

6. Take care of school bus property, and report anyone who cuts or tears bus seats or damages property in any other way.

7. A student will bring a band instrument or any large item on the bus only if it will fit in the student’s lap or on the floor between the student’s legs, without hiding the student’s face.

8. Follow the school dress code policy. Keep uniform shirts on, pants up and no hats.

9. Other behaviors that the bus driver feels to be unacceptable will be addressed with the student, and the student is expected to obey the driver when told to correct or discontinue a specific behavior.

Continuous violation of any of the above behavioral expectations will be subject to the bus discipline ladder process as follows. Special education laws will be applied as needed.

3.23 AUTO/PARKING VIOLATIONS (PHS)

All individuals who bring a vehicle to school must have a valid driver’s license, proof of insurance, and completed registration form.

1. Students should drive safely and responsibly on school property. Speed limits are posted and all state laws apply.
2. No loud, obscene music or excessive honking while on school property.
3. Any and all passengers must be in a seat inside the cabin of the vehicle. This prohibits students from riding in the back of trucks or trunks.
4. Upon arrival on campus, students will park their vehicles,exit, and leave the parking lot immediately. Students must obtain permission from an administrator to access his/her vehicle during the day, and must be accompanied by an administrator or designee. When the student is dismissed and leaves the school building, the student will go directly to his/her vehicle and leave the school grounds at that time. Failure to abide by these rules shall result in loss of school parking privilege.
5. All students and school personnel must register their vehicle and have proof of insurance in order to park on the campus. Parking decals must be visible at all times and students must park in their assigned parking areas.
6. Students who park on campus without obtaining a parking decal may receive a fine of $10 for each violation.
7. Any vehicle on any campus will be subject to search. Items contained in student vehicles will be considered to be in the possession of the student who registered for the assigned decal and/or the driver. Parking privileges may be suspended by a school principal when contraband is located in a vehicle parked at Petal High School. Examples of contraband are drug paraphernalia, lighters, cigarettes, etc.
8. Vehicles inappropriately parked may be towed away at owner’s expense.
9. Students who violate the tardy policy to school may have the privilege of bringing their vehicles on campus suspended.
10. The parking lot will be monitored by Petal School District Police, school administrators, and assigned school personnel. Any student in violation of the rules governing vehicles on campus will be subject to disciplinary measures according to the Petal High School Discipline Ladder.
11. Misuse of the permit registration decal (i.e., loaning or selling of a permit to another student) will result in a suspension or loss of driving privileges.
12. Parking permits must be purchased for $20.
13. Parking privileges may be revoked by school administration or school district police.
14. Students shall be responsible for locking their vehicles since the school district shall assume no responsibility for any loss or damage.

3.24 RESTRAINT AND SECLUSION

The PSD supports a positive approach to behavior that uses proactive strategies to create a safe school climate. It is recognized that situations may arise wherein students are displaying physically violent behavior or are deemed to be a danger to themselves or others. The use of excessive force or cruel and unusual punishment regarding student management is prohibited. Restraint and seclusion shall not be used as a punitive measure. Only personnel trained in the use of restraint and seclusion shall be used to observe and monitor these students. Physical restraint is considered to be an emergency response after all other verbal and non-verbal de-escalation measures have failed in effectiveness. Proper documentation must be completed with each incidence of restraint, including notification to parents. Parents will be notified verbally or in writing on the day of the restraint or seclusion or no later than 48 hours following the incident. Questions regarding the use of restraint and seclusion may be directed to Katie Charleville, Director of Special Services.

3.25 GANG/GROUP ACTIVITY ASSOCIATION

Gangs or groups 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. Students who wear, carry, or display gang/group paraphernalia or exhibit behavior or gestures, that symbolize gang membership and/or participating in activities that intimidate or affect the attendance of another person, shall be subject to appropriate action. This behavior includes, but is not limited to the use of hand signals, graffiti, or grooming, which, by its color arrangement, trademark, or symbol, implies an affiliation with such a group.

3.26 DESTRUCTION OF SCHOOL PROPERTY

If any student shall willfully destroy, cut, deface, damage or injure any school building, equipment or other school property he/she shall be subject to suspension or expulsion and his/her parents, legal guardians or custodians shall be liable for all damages. The District may institute legal proceedings against and recover damages provided by law from parents of minor students who maliciously and willfully damage or destroy school property. [This comes from Policy JCBD]

If a student is sent to the office for a dress code violation, he/she will be assigned the appropriate discipline. Students may be placed in ISR until a parent or designee can bring appropriate clothing.

Polo and Button-up Shirts

• Should be solid Petal red, white, black or gray
• All visible emblems, trademarks and/or logos must be white, red, gray or black and be position-neutral
• All shirts must have sleeves.
• Shirts must be buttoned high enough so that no cleavage can be seen.
• Shirts and tops must always touch the waist of pants/skirts (i.e., when in movement, when arms are extended or raised and when in a seated position, etc.)

Petal Spirit T-Shirts

• Must be a Petal school logo/design with solid Petal red, white, black or gray.
• Designs and print must be white, Petal red, gray or black.
• All shirts must have sleeves.
• The shirt collar must be high enough so that no cleavage can be seen.
• Shirts and tops must always touch the waist of pants/skirts/shorts at all times.

Pullovers, Sweatshirts, Hoodies, Sweaters, Rain Jackets and Lightweight Jackets 

• Must be Petal red, white, black or gray
• All visible emblems, trademarks, and/or logos must be white, black, red, navy or gray and be position-neutral.

Bottoms

• Must be solid khaki (tan), navy, gray or black. They must contain no print, lettering or piping of another color.
• Must be worn securely around the waist
• No leggings, sweatpants or blue jeans/denim are allowed.

• Length—no shorter than students’ fingertips with arms fully extended by their sides for the full, bottom seam  

• Leggings, if worn underneath, must be solid white, black, navy or gray.
• No fishnet-style hosiery
• No blue jeans/denim, wrap skirts or slits.

Winter Coats

• Coats must be removed when a student enters the building.
• No trench coat style

Accessories

• Proper shoes must be always worn (i.e., no slippers)
• Head coverings should be no wider than two inches, including hoods, bandanas, hats, caps, visors, do-rags or skull caps.
• No disruptive or distracting hairstyles or accessories
• Piercings are limited to the ears
• No inappropriate tattoos (weapons, drugs, alcohol-related, etc.)
• Accessories should be position neutral and should not pose a safety hazard.

In all instances, the appropriateness or inappropriateness of school dress will be determined by school administrators. Incentive dress days may occur. On these days, students should adhere to dress code length requirements and other expectations for the described attire.

5.1 FIELD TRIPS

All students wishing to attend a school-sponsored field trip must have the appropriate form signed by his/her parents or guardian. This signed consent form must be on file in the office of the school principal before the student will be allowed to depart on said field trip. School policies will apply on school-sponsored trips.

Any student who has exceeded the attendance policy may not be allowed to attend any field trips or participate in any extracurricular activities. No field trips will be approved after March 31 or during term exams and/or state tests, unless special privilege is granted by the principal.

5.2 COLLEGE/CAREER DAY PROCEDURES

Any junior or senior who has not violated the attendance policy is eligible for college days. Juniors are allowed 1 college visit. Seniors are allowed two (one per semester.) They must comply with the following procedure in order not to be counted absent:

1. parent/guardian must come to the office and sign the necessary consent form
2. verification of participation from the college or university visited
3. have an appointment with the college before taking a college day.

Seniors will not be allowed to participate in a school-sponsored college day after May 1 without special permission from the principal. Failure to comply with this policy will result in an unexcused absence.

5.3 SCHOOL SPONSORED ACTIVITIES

All students who go on school-sponsored trips are to return with their respective sponsors and groups unless given special permission by the principal. The student’s parent or legal guardian must personally go to the sponsor at the end of the game or activity and request permission for their son or daughter to be released to them.

• Special travel arrangements to and from school-sponsored activities must be cleared with the principal prior to the activity.
• A student cannot exceed 10 school-sponsored excused absences within the school year unless special permission is given by the principal.

6.1 EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

A diversified program of extracurricular activities is offered in the Petal Schools and it is designed to appeal to the interest of as many students as possible. All students are encouraged to find a place somewhere in the extracurricular programs of the school and should consider themselves a definite and necessary part of these programs. Any student interested in an extracurricular activity needs to contact the sponsor of that activity. Extracurricular activities at PHS are intended for the participation of students in grades 9-12. Participation by students at the lower grade levels will only occur by agreement of the principal and activities director.

Students shall not be promoted or retained solely for the purpose of extracurricular participation. Additionally, any student who meets promotional requirements at the end of the school year but is retained in the same grade shall be ineligible for extracurricular participation one year. A student becomes ineligible academically when their grade point average drops below a 2.0 at the end of a semester.

Sponsors will constantly check with all teachers to determine the eligibility of students to participate in their programs. No student will be permitted to play ninth grade athletics more than one year. All contests will be regulated by the rules of the Mississippi High School Activities Association, Inc. To be eligible for participation in athletics, band, chorus, drill team, forensic competition a student must meet the following minimum requirements at the end of a semester and at the end of the year. The pupil is eligible for the next succeeding semester if:

1. Students maintain a grade point average of at least 2.0 or a C average. This will be measured at the conclusion of the first semester using the semester averages of all the courses the student is taking. Students who do not have a 2.0 or a C average for the first semester will be ineligible for the second semester.
2. At the end of the school year, each student’s grade point average for the year will be assessed. This assessment will reflect the average for the entire year using the final grades for each course. If the student does not have a grade point average of at least 2.0 or a C average, he/she will become ineligible for the fall semester.
3. Students may attend summer school, extended school year, take correspondence classes, participate in credit recovery programs and take advantage of other related options to establish a 2.0 or a C average to regain eligibility. Students must complete these programs prior to the first day of the next year or the next semester.

Special education students will be academically eligible if they are making satisfactory progress according to the committees reviewing their Individual Education Plans (IEP).

OUT-OF-SCHOOL ONE OR MORE SEMESTERS

If a pupil who is eligible for a given semester drops out of school for one or more semesters, he/she is then ineligible until he/she passes all subjects during a semester. A pupil who is eligible for a given semester cannot drop out of school during the semester or remain out of school for one or more semesters and then be eligible for the next semester he attends.

SUMMER SCHOOL CREDITS

An accredited summer school shall be considered as an extension of the second semester of the school session, and credits earned in such a school may be considered in determining the scholarship eligibility of students.

The completion of a full unit, or major subject, during summer school shall be classed as passing one major subject for one unit of credit and not as passing two major subjects for one-half unit each. Accredited correspondence courses may be accepted for establishing extracurricular activity eligibility provided the course has been completed and recorded by the opening of school. Only one accredited correspondence course can be counted toward graduation.

6.2 EXTRACURRICULAR DRUG SCREENING PROGRAM

Extracurriculars include all athletic programs, cheerleading, band (all areas), chorus, show choir, forensics (all areas), drama, and any other program or group that represents students involved in competition and/or after-school-related activities.

The administration, coaches, and directors of the PSD strongly believe that the use and abuse of drugs (excluding those prescribed by a physician to treat specific medical problems) can:

1. be detrimental to the physical and mental health of students,
2. seriously interfere with the performance of students,
3. be extremely dangerous to students and their teammates about the participation in competition or practice,
4. create an unfair and damaging stigma for those students who do not use and/or abuse drugs.

The PSD has a genuine concern for the well-being of each student participating in extracurricular activities. Therefore, a drug screening program will be implemented by establishing board policy. The contracting biomedical laboratory shall be certified by the National Institute of Drugs Abuse (NIDA) and be approved by the school board. The testing shall be done only after consent from the student involved in the activity and the parent/guardian.

Students who are subject to drug testing will be made aware of the drug testing process and the steps/consequences if and when a student tests positive. Every possible precaution will be taken to assure and maintain the accuracy and confidentiality of the test results, including the maintenance of a documented chain of specimen custody to ensure the identity and integrity of the sample throughout the collection and testing process.

Purpose:

1. To educate students concerning the dangers and problems associated with drug use/abuse.
2. To prevent drug use/abuse by students of the Petal School District.
3. To identify any student who may be using/abusing drugs and to determine the identity of the drug.
4. To provide opportunities for treatment and counseling for any student who is determined to be using/abusing drugs.
5. To remove the stigma of drug/abuse from those students who do not use/abuse drugs.

Procedures:

1. All students participating in extracurricular activities will be given drug-screening forms to be signed by the student and his/her parent/guardian. Signed drug screening forms must be returned to the coach or director of the activity within one week or the student will not be allowed to practice or compete. About the selection of students, the following procedures shall be followed:
   1. By September 1st of each school year, the Athletic Dept. will generate a master list of all students who participate in extra/co-curricular activities.
   2. The master list will be placed in alphabetical order on an Excel spreadsheet with each student assigned a number and delivered to the testing facility.
   3. The master list will be updated as students are added or deleted from various rosters.
   4. The Principal and Director of Activities will schedule all dates for Drug Screening.
   5. The testing facility will forward a list of thirty (30) randomly selected numbers to the Athletic Department secretary and Principal 24 hours before testing. Random selection shall be conducted by the testing facility utilizing an electronic/computer-based program.
2. If a student tests positive, the appropriate coach or director will take the following steps:
   1. The student’s parent(s) or legal guardian(s) will be notified.
   2. The student may be required to attend a drug counseling program at his/her own expense.
   3. The student will forfeit interscholastic participation, including in-class and after-school practices and competitions for a minimum of seven consecutive days. Students can resume participation following a negative drug test conducted at Petal SeMRHI Clinic after a minimum of seven consecutive days.

NOTE: Students who test positive for drugs will forfeit certain team and individual awards as determined by the coach or the director.

1. The student will be mandated to participate in the next drug test session.
2. A second positive test will result in a 28-day suspension from all practices, competitions and performances.
3. If the student tests positive after the third test, he/she will be suspended indefinitely.
4. If a student is suspended, the student has the right to appeal the decision to the Petal School District Board of Trustees for that determination. The student shall have the right to have counsel present at the student’s own expense.

6.3 STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

Student clubs and organizations are encouraged; however, such clubs and organizations shall only be organized and operative after the principal has granted approval. Any student interested in developing a student organization that is not currently offered must submit a proposal form by March 30. A student may request a club application form from the school principal. Proposals will be reviewed by administrators, and students will be notified of their proposal response by April 30. Student organization proposals that are accepted during this review will be implemented during the following school year.

No club or organization shall be formed without a sponsor, who shall be a certified staff member of the school. Secret clubs and organizations are not permitted in the schools of the district. Students who form, become members of, or participate in activities involving a non-approved club or organization could be subject to disciplinary action.

Any communication from clubs will be submitted to the office to be posted on the designated student organization bulletin board. Club officers and sponsors will seek approval from administration for guest speakers.

6.4 REQUIREMENTS FOR HOLDING NON-ACADEMIC CLUB/CLASS OFFICE

Students nominated for any office must be approved by the administration. To be elected any position such as class officer or club officer at Petal High School, the candidates must meet the following requirements:

1. They must have attended Petal High School for a minimum of nine weeks prior to the election.
2. They must be passing in each subject the semester prior to the election, exhibit good qualities of citizenship, and display overall satisfactory conduct as determined by the majority of the students' teachers plus the administration.
3. They must be approved by the individual club membership and sponsor.
4. No student may hold more than two club or class offices and only one of these may be a presidency. Academic clubs will have their own requirements and standards for membership and club office.

6.5 STUDENT COUNCIL ELECTIONS

1. The student must turn in a written request to run for Student Council.
2. Candidates for election to the Student Council must have passed all subjects the previous year with no grade lower than a C.
3. The student must be enrolled in PHS/PMS a minimum of nine weeks prior to the election.
4. Students who have been assigned ISR or OSS during the current year may not run for any office.
5. Students who are currently in student council may be removed if they reach Step 3 or above on the discipline ladder.

6.6 HOMECOMING

Homecoming elections are generally held two or three weeks prior to homecoming. All elections will be held on the plurality system. Run-off elections will be held only in the case of a tie. The administration will be responsible for conducting the election and tallying the votes. Homecoming consists of the following:

1. There will be a court which includes 4 Freshman representatives, 4 Sophomore representatives, 4 Junior representatives, and 10 Senior representatives.
2. Grades 9-12 will each nominate and elect representatives from the respective grades.
3. The Queen will be elected by the student body from the ten senior representatives. The results of this election will be kept secret, and the Queen will be crowned at halftime during the Homecoming football game.
4. Members of the court must not have reached Step 3 or above on the discipline ladder for the current year.

For all school-sponsored dances, students attending must be in the ninth grade or above.

6.7 FUNDRAISING

Fundraising should be kept to a minimum in the school. Each club, class, or organization may have only one fundraising per semester. No fundraising will be allowed for the purchase of instructional supplies or equipment. All fundraising project requests must be approved by the principal and the superintendent.

Fundraising requests forms are available in the principal’s office. All money collected in these activities will be receipted and deposited in that organization’s account in the student activities fund. Money collected or raised belongs to the school club or organization and is not to be expended on any project other than school sponsored programs or activities. No purchases are to be made through the Student Activity Fund without the approval of the principal. Candy sales are not allowed on campus.

A Petal School District police officer will be on patrol on campus during school hours. Periodically, throughout the school year, unannounced searches involving a narcotics-certified canine will be conducted.

All students are subject to search; this includes vehicles, book bags, clothing, etc.

7.1 TRESPASS WARNING POLICY

Objective

The objective of this policy is to implement a procedure that will allow us, the Petal School District Police Department, to protect our students, faculty and staff from persons who exhibit behavior that would constitute an arrest being made based on state law. An example of such behavior would be public profanity, disorderly conduct, failure to comply, etc. This policy would be implemented during school hours, at after-school activities and at any location where a school activity is taking place (i.e. sporting events, competitions, concerts, pageants, etc.)

Procedure

• When such an incident occurs, a police report will be generated and given to the site principal. The principal will determine if a trespass warning should be issued.
• If the site principal determines a trespass warning is to be issued, a letter will be sent to the subject to advise him/her of said trespass warning.
• A copy of the trespass warning letter will be kept at the school where the violation was committed, in the Central Office and with the Petal School District Police Department.

Types of Trespass Letters

• Letters to the subject with children currently enrolled in school:
  • This letter would be discretionary on the length of time not permitted on campus based on the site principal’s decision.
• Letters to the subject with children no longer enrolled in school:
  • This letter would be able to extend the length of time to an indefinite amount of time. If the subject does not have children currently enrolled, there is no need for that person to be on campus.
• Letters to the subject with no legal rights to children:
  • This letter would also be able to extend the length of time to an indefinite amount of time-based on the site principal’s decision.

EACH TRESPASS LETTER WILL ADVISE WHEN HE/SHE MAY BE PERMITTED TO RETURN TO CAMPUS.

7.2 DAMAGES TO SCHOOL PROPERTY

1. A parent/legal guardian of a compulsory-school-age child enrolled in the Petal School District shall be responsible financially for his/her minor child’s destructive acts against school property or persons.
2. A parent/legal guardian of a compulsory-school-age child enrolled in the Petal School District shall be responsible for any criminal fines brought against such students for unlawful activity occurring on school grounds or buses.

The Petal School District shall be entitled to recover damages in an amount not to exceed twenty thousand dollars ($20,000.00), plus necessary court costs, from parents of any minor under the age of eighteen (18) years and over the age of six (6) years, who maliciously and willfully damages or destroys property belonging to the Petal School District. However, this shall not apply to parents whose parental control of that child has been removed by court order or decree.

7.3 SEXUAL HARASSMENT

The Petal School District recognizes reports of sexual harassment as being extremely serious. Any reports of sexual harassment will be investigated fully, and appropriate disciplinary action as well as notification of law enforcement may result from such reports.

8.1 CRISIS MANAGEMENT

The Petal School District recognizes the importance of a safe and secure environment to provide the most effective learning situation; therefore, the district has taken certain precautions and specific measures to ensure the safety of both students and staff.

A Crisis Management Plan has been developed and extends the idea of proactive planning to any major crisis that may occur. It ensures that district officials, working with community leaders, have discussed and developed an appropriate plan of response which will make use of all available resources.

1. Contact person- Superintendent of Petal School District Central Office Telephone: 601.545.3002
2. Public Notification- Local radio and TV stations
3. Student pick-up locations for parents

• Normal School Day
  • Automobile riders in front of campus
  • Bus riders in the back of campus
• Emergency- early dismissal
  • Automobile riders in front of campus
  • Bus riders in the back of campus
• Threatening Situations– Students will evacuate to a predetermined destination.

8.2 EMERGENCY FIRE INSTRUCTIONS

When an announcement to evacuate is made, all students should walk briskly and orderly toward designated places according to where they may be at the time of the alarm. The teacher will direct the students out of the door and will close the classroom door when leaving. Before leaving, the teacher will check to see that no one is left in the room. When a fire evacuation is announced, be serious, for it may be a real fire instead of just a drill.

8.3 SEVERE WEATHER PROCEDURES

Within the first week of school, parents should give children precise instructions to follow on afternoons when severe weather occurs.

All schools receive weather bulletins directly from Civil Defense; thus parents/ guardians are discouraged from calling the school. The school phone must be available for use in the event of an emergency. Students are not dismissed during a severe weather warning. Students will be dismissed only after an all-clear bulletin has been issued. Tornado drills are held monthly.

Official notice of emergency school cancellations will be aired over local news, radio, and media outlets.These announcements will be released as soon as decisions can be made and may come as late as 6:30 a.m. If no announcement is broadcast, it may be assumed that school is open.

In the case of an early-dismissal due to severe weather, every attempt will be made to notify parents/guardians. In the event of early-dismissal, media sources including the school district website (www.petalschools.com) will be notified. All parents/guardians are encouraged to listen to the radio and/or television in case of severe weather.

During severe weather situations, parents will only be allowed in the commons office areas. Parents will not be allowed in any other part of the school buildings unless accompanied by an administrator. After the all-clear bulletin has been issued, parents will be allowed to check out only their student(s).

A parent or guardian may go to a school and sign out his/her student during such an emergency provided they sign a form releasing the school of all responsibility and liability during the emergency situation.

8.4 TORNADO OR SEVERE WEATHER ASSIGNMENT

A severe weather alarm will be given. When this alarm is sounded, all teachers and students should move immediately to their designated places according to where they may be at the time of the alarm.

Students will sit in their designated areas with their heads on their knees and their hands on top of their heads.

8.5 EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

STUDENT ACCIDENTS- School personnel will exercise their best judgment in handling an emergency affecting the health and welfare of a student. Established policy and procedural guidelines will be followed in every case as far as possible.

If the parents or guardian cannot be reached, school personnel will act to safeguard the student reasonably.

8.6 DELAYED START PROCEDURES

In the event of inclement/severe weather BEFORE school begins:

The decision to delay the start of school may be enacted by the Petal School District with input from Emergency Management personnel. This option would be in addition to other safety measures that could include full school-day cancellations.

If there is a delayed start time, it will be announced that school will start with either a one or two-hour delay. Students, parents, and teachers should expect beginning times to follow the same schedule as a normal day, only delayed by the decided amount of time.

• One hour delayed start 9:30 a.m.
• Two-hour delayed start 10:30 a.m.

Bus pick-up times: Buses will pick up students at bus stops one hour later/two hours later than regularly scheduled pick-up times. Buses will make every effort to be punctual, although traffic and road conditions may increase travel time.

Drop-off and arrival times: Parents dropping off students, students who walk, and students driving to school should arrive one or two hours after their regularly scheduled arrival times.

School dismissal times: School dismissal times will remain on regular schedules, including bus drop-off times in neighborhoods and parent pick-up times at schools.

Afternoon and evening programs and activities: All afternoon and evening programs will operate as normally scheduled unless announced otherwise.

9.1 CAFETERIA

The ultimate goal of the child nutrition program is to provide nutritious meals to all students daily at an economical price. Free and reduced-price meal programs are provided for eligible students The Family Free and Reduced Price Meal Application, which requires only one form per family to be completed each year, is utilized in the Petal School District. Additional information regarding these programs may be through the Child Nutrition Office.

Breakfast and lunch are available at all cafeterias. A variety of menu items are offered daily to encourage students to make healthy choices. The regulation that allows students to choose less than all of the food items offered is known as “offer vs. served.” A minimum of three food components at breakfast and lunch must be selected by students.

Parents may prepay for breakfast, lunch and extra sales items by the week, month or year.

Payments for meals cannot be combined with other school expenses. Returned checks are referred to Tiger Tranz, which specializes in check recovery. The Petal School District offers automated pre-payments of meal accounts via the telephone or Internet. Parents may log onto www.mypaymentsplus.com or telephone 1.866.615.6503. Account balances, positive or negative, roll over at the end of each school year. Students in grades 9-12 are allowed to charge for the day and repay the loan the following day. Students are not allowed to charge any supplemental sale item (ice cream, juice, etc.). For more information, contact Child Nutrition.

Inquiries regarding student account balances shall be made to the cafeteria manager. Refunds for advance payment for students who withdraw from school will be made if a written request is submitted to the Child Nutrition Office by June 1. It is the parent’s responsibility to track the child’s nutrition account.

Regulations governing the federal breakfast and lunch program permit substitutions for children with special needs. A statement from a recognized medical authority supporting the student’s need and prescribed substitution shall be submitted to the child nutrition manager. State, federal and local competitive food guidelines include:

1. Prohibits the sale or delivery on campus of any food including snacks for one hour before or during the regular school meals schedule. This includes sales by clubs or organizations on campus.
2. Except for water and milk products, a student may purchase individual components of the meal only if the full meal unit is being purchased.
3. Students who bring lunch from home may purchase water and milk products only.
4. Students may not bring carbonated beverages in original containers into the cafeteria.

9.2 CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAM MEAL RATES

Get your tray quickly so you will not delay the line. Respect the place of others. Do not break in the line. Remove all milk cartons and debris from your table and dispose of your tray so the tables will be clear for those who follow. Display a pleasing manner during the entire time in the cafeteria. Be as refined in your cafeteria table manners as you are in your own home.

All teachers and pupils are urged to take advantage of the well-balanced meals served on the non-profit basis.

9.3 REGULATIONS PERTAINING TO LUNCH PERIOD

All students are to remain on campus during the lunch period. No one will be permitted to leave the campus to eat his/her noon meal regardless of the distance traveled. Students may either eat in the school cafeteria or bring their own lunch. Students are to remain in the cafeteria for the duration of their scheduled lunch time and are not allowed to remove food from the cafeteria.

Outside food/drinks are not allowed in the cafeteria at any time.

10.1 CERTIFICATE OF ATTENDANCE

The State of Mississippi requires students to attend school to get their driver’s license or renew their license until age 18. For a student to receive this Certificate of Attendance, the student must attend school for a minimum of 30 school days before receiving the Certificate of Attendance.

10.2 USE OF THE TELEPHONE

The office telephone will not be available for use without permission. If an emergency arises, the student may ask the teacher to send a request to the office requesting permission to use the telephone. Teachers will not allow students to leave the classroom to use the telephone unless such a request has been granted, or there is a request from the office for the student to call home. All telephone messages will be held in the offices and distributed at the end of the class period unless there is an immediate emergency. NO STUDENT IS TO BE OUT OF CLASS AT ANY TIME USING THE TELEPHONE WITHOUT PERMISSION FROM THE OFFICE.

10.3 SHARED DECISION MAKING COUNCIL

The Petal School District Strategic Plan provides for a Shared Decision Making Council at the District level and each school level. These councils are composed of parents, students, teachers, support staff, at large community representatives and administrators. The purpose of the council is to provide input into the decision-making process. Anyone interested in serving on one of these councils may contact one of the district schools or the district Central Office for an application.

10.4 VISITOR INFORMATION

Any person visiting campus must report to the office and present a photo ID for clearance upon arrival at the school. The office will give the visitor a temporary visitor’s pass to be returned to the office when he or she leaves the campus. Classroom visitors will only be allowed during a teacher’s conference period. Exceptions are classroom speakers, practicum students, or teacher-invited guests. Because of space factors in the classrooms, pupils are not allowed to have student visitors accompany them to the school without special permission from the principal.

10.5 VISITOR MANAGEMENT PROCEDURES

1.  The visitor must produce photo identification. This can be a state ID, driver's license, military ID, U.S. Passport card or Mexican consulate card. The visitor’s name and date of birth can also be entered into the system if there is no photo identification.
2. The identification will be scanned through the Raptor system.
3. School officials verify scan results and the nature of the visit. If the result is negative the visitor will be allowed the appropriate access and receive a visitor badge that is printed with their picture. Their identification will be held until they return to the office to exit and ensure they are properly checked out of the Raptor system.
4. If a Positive Match for Sex Offender is confirmed, a silent alarm will be sent. The School Resource Officer and school administration will be alerted of a possible sex offender at the school. The School official conducting the visitor check will ask the visitor to have a seat until the school administration speaks to them. If the visitor asks for his/her ID back and asks to leave, the school will comply with this request.

If a campus is conducting a special event, visitors entering the school will not have to go through the Raptor scan procedure. A special procedure will be in place for this type of event.

10.6 STUDENT HEALTH SERVICE-MEDICATION-JGCD

1. Administration of medication is foremost the responsibility of the parent/guardian. All medications that can be given outside of school hours without serious effects must be given before or after school.

2. The FIRST dose of any medication must be given at home in case there is an allergic reaction.

3. School personnel/nurses are not responsible for giving missed or late home doses of medication.

4. All medication that the student is receiving in the school setting will be recorded on the student’s medication record.

5. Prescription and nonprescription medication will be administered only if:

   1. The appropriate school medication administration form is completed including doctor’s signature, parent/guardian signature, child’s name, name of medication, amount of medication needed, route of administration, and time of administration.

   2. Any prescription medication that is ordered only once or twice daily must be given at home and will not be administered at school unless the school receives a letter from the physician explaining why the medication must be given at school instead of home.

   3. Prescription medication must be in the pharmacy container with a label which includes the student’s name, physician name, name of medication, strength, dosage, time interval, and route.

   4. Over-the-Counter medications (Tylenol, Advil, cough drops, etc.) must be clearly legible. All over-the-counter medications must be supplied by the parent/guardian. The school WILL NOT supply any medications. PLEASE NOTE: All medications to be given at school will require a physician’s signature on the school form: NO EXCEPTIONS!

   5. The information on the medication form and on the medication bottle must be the same.

6. Medication will NOT be accepted in household containers, envelopes, or baggies.

7. Medication will not be provided by the nurse or the teacher from his/her own personal supply.

8. A new medication form must be completed and signed for each medication or change of medication order. A new form with doctor’s orders and signature must be signed at the beginning of each school year even if the medication is continued from one year to the next.

9. Grades PK-8 students' medications, both prescription and non-prescription, must be brought to school by an adult. All medications and paperwork will be reviewed by the school nurse prior to administration of medication. Grades 9-12 students' medications, both prescription and non-prescription, must be brought to school by an adult with the exception of students who will be carrying a single, daily dose of prescribed or over-the-counter medications. High school students who need to bring prescription medications to school must have the medication in the current prescription container with the student's name and dosage on the container. The container should only contain the dosage needed for that day. High school students bringing over-the-counter medication to school must have the medication in the original container. Students are not to give any type of over-the-counter or prescription medication to another student. All medications and paperwork will be reviewed by the school nurse prior to administration of any medications.

10. Medications cannot be transported on the school bus by PK-8 students. High school students may bring a single, daily dose in the original packaging.

11. No Petal School District employee/agent of the school will be responsible for administering any medication on field trips or school-sponsored events.

12. The proper disposal of unused medications is important, and it is the responsibility of the parent to obtain all unused medication from the school when it is discontinued, the school year ends, or the student transfers to another district. All medication left in the school under these conditions will be disposed of by the school nurse or delegate.

13. Students may keep diabetic medications with them at all times if given permission from the parent/guardian, physician, school nurse and the school receives all appropriate forms from the parent and physician.

14. Students may keep their asthma inhalers with them at all times; however the parent/guardian must meet the following requirements:

    1. Provide written authorization for self-administration to the school;

    2. Provide a written statement from the student’s health care provider that the student has asthma and has been instructed in self-administration of asthma medications. The statement should also contain: 1) the name and purpose of the medication; 2) the prescribed dosage; 3) the time or times the medications are to be regularly administered and under what special circumstances the medications are to be administered; 4) the length of time for which the medications are prescribed.

Petal School District and its employees and agents shall incur no liability as a result of any injury sustained by the student from the self-administration of asthma medications. Upon fulfilling the requirements of this section, a student with asthma may possess and use asthma medications when at school, at a school-sponsored activity, under the supervision of school personnel or before and after normal school activities while on school properties including school-sponsored child care or after-school programs.

10.7 COMMUNICABLE DISEASES

Individuals having a contagious condition must present a clearance slip from the Health Department or a physician upon returning to the school. If the school nurse suspects a contagious condition in a student and informs the parents, parents must have the child checked by a physician. A note from the physician will be required for the student to return to school.

10.8 BEDBUGS POLICY

In general, schools are not conducive to bed bug infestations. Bed bugs prefer an environment where they can hide during the day and come out at night to feed on a sleeping host. Because bed bugs can travel in belongings, school employees are trained to identify bed bugs and the signs of bed bugs in the classroom and the student’s items. Staff will notify the school nurse and/or an administrator of suspected bed bug introduction and the designated procedures for dealing with bedbugs will be followed. If bed bugs are found or students are experiencing skin conditions that might be associated with bed bug bites, the parents of the affected student(s) will be notified. After an inspection of the affected school area, it may be necessary to investigate the student’s home setting. Parents will be provided with information about bed bugs as a means to assist with the prevention and management of bed bugs in their homes. The student may not be allowed to attend school until proof of treatment is obtained.

10.9 PREGNANCY

Should pregnancy occur the student is encouraged to notify the guidance office. The student’s parents/guardians or the student herself should inform the school of medical procedures to follow in case of an emergency. Students may continue in school as long as possible although the school district cannot assume responsibility/ liability for the safety of the student. If requested, pregnant students will supply the school with a statement from their physician indicating the length of time they can remain in school before delivery and the approximate number of days required for their recovery.

10.10 FLAGS ON CAMPUS

Except for the United States flag and the Mississippi flag on the flagpole in front of the school, no flag can be flown on campus without prior permission of the principal.

10.11 TOYS AND GAMES

Toys, games, cards or dice will not be permitted at school unless the items are an approved part of classroom instruction.

10.12 DAILY ANNOUNCEMENTS

Announcements will be made for the benefit of the school as a whole. Students, teachers, or organizations desiring to have announcements made should write them in the form desired and turn them in to the office. Announcements should be as brief as possible. The principal must approve all announcements before they are made to the student body. All announcements should be turned in to the office before 8:30 a.m. each day. High school students will need to check their grades in Canvas Classroom daily for announcements.

10.13 STUDENT INTERVIEWS

Except for youth court jurisdiction and the Department of Human Services, no student may be interviewed by an outside agency without permission of his/her parent or guardian.

10.14 NETWORK USAGE

Responsibilities:

Use of district-provided access to the Internet in PSD will be regarded as a privilege and not a right. Students interested in accessing the Internet through the district-provided access must first obtain permission to use the equipment from a PSD instructional staff member such as the student’s teacher, support staff member or another member of the school’s administrative or teaching staff. It is expected that student access to the Internet will be structured in ways that point students to those resources that have been evaluated before use. However, parents must recognize and understand that students will be capable of moving beyond the known resources to others that have not been reviewed by staff, and which may not be educationally related or otherwise appropriate in the school environment. The teaching staff will endeavor to monitor access to and use of these resources, but it must be clearly understood by parents, guardians and the community at large that there can be no absolute assurance that students will restrict their use to only educationally related, school-appropriate sources.

All student users of the district-provided Internet access are expected to exhibit behavior, while engaged online, consistent with the standards established in the PSD policy on student discipline. All users, whether students or staff, who use the district-provided access to the Internet and who engage in conduct in violation of the acceptable use standards established by PSD will be subject to having their access privileges suspended and/or revoked consistent with the school’s authority and responsibility to maintain discipline in the schools. With the use of district-owned, school-based computers, or district-owned accounts, users shall not have or claim to have any expectation of privacy concerning the storage of files or information. In that regard, the use of memory and storage in connection with district-provided access to the Internet will be treated like school lockers. The professional staff may review all files and message exchanges on the systems to maintain system integrity and ensure that users are acting responsibly and consistently with acceptable use standards.

Regarding the acceptable use standards, the following uses of the district-provided Internet access are not permitted:

• a. Transmitting, uploading, downloading or otherwise accessing abusive, hateful, degrading, demeaning, derogatory or defamatory materials, information or communications,
• b. Transmitting, uploading, downloading or otherwise accessing pornographic, obscene, sexually explicit, indecent or vulgar materials, information or communications,
• c. Vandalizing, damaging, disabling or gaining unauthorized access to a person's property, files, data or materials,
• d. Engaging in any commercial or business activity,
• e. Transmitting, uploading or downloading any material in violation of copyright protection,
• f. Engaging in any other activity contrary to any local, state, or federal laws, rules or regulations.

Before being permitted use of the system, students, parents, school personnel and other users, will be asked to sign a statement agreeing to abide by the above guidelines. A violation of the above guidelines for acceptable use of Internet access will result in disciplinary action, including possible loss of Internet access privileges.

By providing the means to access the Internet using PSD-owned and school base equipment, it must be clearly understood that PSD makes absolutely no warranties of any kind, expressed or implied, about the Internet or the nature, quality or accuracy of the information accessible through the district-provided access to the internet, and PSD will not be responsible for any loss occasioned as a result of using this service including loss of data resulting from delays or interruptions in service. In addition, PSD will not be responsible for the accuracy, nature or quality of information stored on school diskettes, hard drives, or servers. Further, PSD will not be responsible for loss or damage to personal property used on the school-based computers in connection with the use of the district-provided access to the Internet. Finally, PSD will not be responsible for any unauthorized personal expenses or financial obligations incurred as a result of the use of the district-provided access to the Internet.

The Superintendent is authorized to develop additional rules and regulations to implement the purpose of intent of this policy.

(Reference: School Board Policy IEK)

10.15 TEXTBOOKS

Books will be issued and numbered by the teacher of each course requiring the use of textbooks. The students and their parents/guardians will be held responsible for the loss or damage to textbooks issued to them. The teacher of each course will determine the amount of fines or cost of replacement of such textbooks. (MS Code 37-7-301)

In some courses, students will find it necessary to buy workbooks or laboratory manuals to be used along with textbooks.

10.16 BUSES-SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION

If buses operate on a regular schedule, they should not be expected to wait for pupils. Pupils should be ready and waiting for the bus when it arrives. Buses should leave the school grounds each afternoon as soon as all children have come aboard, or not later than five minutes after school dismisses. No student will be permitted to ride any bus other than his/her assigned bus or go on another school campus and catch a bus without written permission from the principal or assistant principal. The bus driver will report any pupil leaving the bus before reaching their regular destination. Any pupil who violates these regulations will be dealt with according to the School Bus Discipline Ladder in the student handbook.

10.17 CARE OF SCHOOL PROPERTY

All buildings and whatever they contain in the way of equipment are provided at great expense by the taxpayers of the Petal School District. Pupils should pride themselves in doing everything possible to take care of school property and should encourage others to do so. Anyone who defaces school property will pay the amount of damage. Every student should not only refrain from defacing or destroying school property but should make every possible effort to encourage his/her friends and fellow students to care for school property. Help the janitorial staff by placing all paper and waste in the containers arranged for this purpose. Do not throw paper on the campus or the floors. Any student causing damage to school property either intentionally or through neglect on his/her part will be liable for such damages. (MS Codes 37-11-53, 37-11-19)

10.18 PETAL SCHOOL DISTRICT WELLNESS POLICY

The wellness goal of the Petal School District is for all students in the Petal School District to possess the knowledge and skills necessary to make nutritious food choices and enjoyable physical activity choices for a lifetime. Also, all staff in the Petal School District are encouraged to model healthy eating and physical activity as a valuable part of daily life.

To meet this goal, the Petal School District has adopted a school wellness policy that outlines the district’s commitments to nutrition, physical activity, comprehensive health education, marketing, and implementation. This policy is designed to effectively utilize school and community resources and to equitably serve the needs and interests of all students and staff, taking into consideration differences in culture.

10.19 COMPLAINTS AND GRIEVANCES

The Petal School District provides for the resolving of complaints and grievances as stated below in the School. A detailed description of the process for handling complaints and grievances can be found in section JCAA of the School Board Policy Manual. Copies of this manual can be found on the Petal School District website. Board Policy Manual:

“The Board realizes that there may be conditions in the school system that need improvements and that students should have some means to effectively express their concerns which will be considered and handled with fairness.”

“Students’ complaints and grievances shall be resolved through orderly processes and at the lowest possible level. However, the Board shall provide channels for eventual hearing, should circumstances dictate.”

PETAL SCHOOL DISTRICT CHAIN OF COMMAND

All complaints and requests from staff, students, and/or members of the public should be addressed to the appropriate person involved in the order listed below. If a resolution cannot be reached, the request/complaint should then move to the next level.

1. Teacher/Coach-via School Status or district email
2. Principal/Director
3. District Office Administrator
4. Superintendent
5. School Board

For complaints and grievances related to discrimination, sexual harassment or disability, please refer to the Title IX Coordinator and 504 Coordinator contact information located in this handbook.

10.20 PARENTAL PERMISSION FOR MEDIA RELEASE

While the Petal School District is selective in granting media access on school campuses, the opportunity to share positive information concerning the educational experiences of students is often requested by outside agencies – local radio stations, local television stations, educational television, newspapers, and community/state agencies. This often involves videotaping or taking pictures of students in the classroom setting and/or asking students for their opinions or questions about their educational experiences. Any Petal School District student will be considered for potential participation in such publicity as approved by the Office of Public Information. All information released will be in full compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. Any parent/guardian not granting permission for their child to participate in media events must notify the school principal in writing of that request. No response will indicate that the parent/guardian releases permission to the Petal School District regarding the media participation of students.

Students may not film other students or school personnel on school grounds or at school activities or post videos or pictures of other students on the internet without administrative approval.

10.21 SEMRHI

The Petal School District has partnered with the Southeast Mississippi Rural Health Initiative (SEMRHI) to provide the students of the district with affordable and convenient health care. The Petal Health Clinic is located on Stadium Drive and can be used by any student currently enrolled. The clinic is staffed by a SEMRHI nurse practitioner and nurse and is open 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. year-round. While Medicaid, CHIP and private insurance will be billed, there is no out-of-pocket cost for any student. Students must complete a SEMRHI registration form and health history once a year. To contact the clinic you may phone 601.450.2144 or fax 601.450.2145.

10.22 ASBESTOS SURVEILLANCE OF ALL SCHOOL BUILDINGS

As part of an annual notification, we are informing all persons of their option to review the asbestos management plan, which would include documentation of any changes of asbestos-containing material in these schools.

To provide continuing management of the asbestos in our school, all asbestos-containing materials (ACM) are inspected every six months by an engineering firm from Jackson, MS. Any changes in the ACM are recorded in a surveillance report as part of the management plan.

The three-year re-inspection of our school buildings has been performed as required. A copy of the re-inspection has been filed with the State Department of Education.

A copy of the surveillance and re-inspection reports, along with a copy of the management plan, is located in the principal’s office at each school. In addition, a copy of all management plans for the district is maintained in the superintendent’s office located at 115 Highway 42, Petal. Any interested party should feel free to go to any of these locations to review these reports.

10.23 THE FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT

Notification of Rights under FERPA for Elementary and Secondary Schools/Personally Identifiable Information

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents and students who are 18 years of age or older ("eligible students") certain rights concerning the student's education records. These rights are:

1. The right to inspect and review the student's education records within 45 days after the day the school receives an access request. Parents or eligible students who wish to inspect their child’s or their education records should submit to the school principal/designee a written request that identifies the records they wish to inspect. The school official will make access arrangements and notify the parent or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.
2. The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the parent or eligible student believes are inaccurate, misleading or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights under FERPA. Parents or eligible students who wish to ask the school to amend their child’s or their education record should write the school principal/designee, clearly identify the part of the record they want to be changed, and specify why it should be changed. If the school decides not to amend the record as requested by the parent or eligible student, the school will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent or eligible student when notified of the right to a hearing.
3. The right to provide written consent before the school discloses personally identifiable information (PII) from the student's education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. One exception, which permits disclosure without consent, is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. The criteria for determining who constitutes a school official and what constitutes a legitimate educational interest must be outlined in the school’s or school district’s annual notification for FERPA rights. A school official typically includes a person employed by the school or school district as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel) or a person serving on the school board. A school official also may include a volunteer, contractor, or consultant who, while not employed by the school, performs an institutional service or function for which the school would otherwise use its employees and who is under the direct control of the school concerning the use and maintenance of PII from education records, such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, or therapist; a parent or student volunteering to serve on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee; or a parent, student, or other volunteer assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official typically has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.
   1. Upon request, the school discloses education records without consent to officials of another school or school district in which a student seeks or intends to enroll, or is already enrolled if the disclosure is for purposes of the student’s enrollment or transfer.
   2. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the school to comply with the requirements of FERPA.
   3. The right to inspect and review the student's education records within 45 days after the day the school receives an access request.
   4. Parents or eligible students who wish to inspect their child’s or their education records should submit to the school principal/designee a written request that identifies the records they wish to inspect. The school official will make access arrangements and notify the parent or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.
4. The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the parent or eligible student believes are inaccurate, misleading or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights under FERPA.
   1. Parents or eligible students who wish to ask the school to amend their child’s or their education record should write the school principal/designee, clearly identify the part of the record they want to be changed, and specify why it should be changed. If the school decides not to amend the record as requested by the parent or eligible student, the school will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent or eligible student when notified of the right to a hearing.
5. The right to provide written consent before the school discloses personally identifiable information (PII) from the student's education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.
   1. One exception, which permits disclosure without consent, is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. The criteria for determining who constitutes a school official and what constitutes a legitimate educational interest must be outlined in the school’s or school district’s annual notification for FERPA rights. A school official typically includes a person employed by the school or school district as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel) or a person serving on the school board. A school official also may include a volunteer, contractor, or consultant who, while not employed by the school, performs an institutional service or function for which the school would otherwise use its employees and who is under the direct control of the school concerning the use and maintenance of PII from education records, such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, or therapist; a parent or student volunteering to serve on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee; or a parent, student, or other volunteer assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official typically has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.
   2. Upon request, the school discloses education records without consent to officials of another school or school district in which a student seeks or intends to enroll, or is already enrolled if the disclosure is for purposes of the student’s enrollment or transfer.
   3. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the school to comply with the requirements of FERPA.

See the list below of the disclosures that elementary and secondary schools may make without consent.

FERPA permits the disclosure of PII from students’ education records, without consent of the parent or eligible student, if the disclosure meets certain conditions found in § 99.31 of the FERPA regulations. Except for disclosures to school officials, disclosures related to some judicial orders or lawfully issued subpoenas, disclosures of directory information, and disclosures to the parent or eligible student, § 99.32 of the FERPA regulations requires the school to record the disclosure. Parents and eligible students have a right to inspect and review the record of disclosures. A school may disclose PII from the education records of a student without obtaining prior written consent of the parents or the eligible student –

• To other school officials, including teachers, within the educational agency or institution whom the school has determined to have legitimate educational interests. This includes contractors, consultants, volunteers, or other parties to whom the school has outsourced institutional services or functions, provided that the conditions listed in § 99.31(a)(1)(i)(B)(1) - (a)(1)(i)(B)(3) are met. (§ 99.31(a)(1))
• To officials of another school, school system, or institution of postsecondary education where the student seeks or intends to enroll, or where the student is already enrolled if the disclosure is for purposes related to the student’s enrollment or transfer, subject to the requirements of § 99.34. (§ 99.31(a)(2))
• To authorized representatives of the U. S. Comptroller General, the U. S. Attorney General, the U.S. Secretary of Education, or State and local educational authorities, such as the State educational agency (SEA) in the parent or eligible student’s State. Disclosures under this provision may be made, subject to the requirements of § 99.35, in connection with an audit or evaluation of Federal- or State-supported education programs, or for the enforcement of or compliance with Federal legal requirements that relate to those programs. These entities may make further disclosures of PII to outside entities that are designated by them as their authorized representatives to conduct any audit, evaluation, enforcement or compliance activity on their behalf, if applicable requirements are met. (§§ 99.31(a)(3) and 99.35)
• In connection with financial aid for which the student has applied or which the student has received, if the information is necessary for such purposes as to determine eligibility for the aid, determine the amount of the aid, determine the conditions of the aid or enforce the terms and conditions of the aid. (§ 99.31(a)(4))
• To State and local officials or authorities to whom information is specifically allowed to be reported or disclosed by a State statute that concerns the juvenile justice system and the system’s ability to effectively serve, before adjudication, the student whose records were released, subject to § 99.38. (§ 99.31(a)(5))
• To organizations conducting studies for, or on behalf of, the school, to (a) develop, validate, or administer predictive tests; (b) administer student aid programs; or (c) improve instruction, if applicable requirements are met. (§ 99.31(a)(6))
• To accrediting organizations to carry out their accrediting functions. (§ 99.31(a)(7))
• To parents of an eligible student if the student is a dependent for IRS tax purposes. (§ 99.31(a)(8))
• To comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena if applicable requirements are met. (§ 99.31(a)(9))
• To appropriate officials in connection with a health or safety emergency, subject to § 99.36. (§ 99.31(a)(10)
• Information the school has designated as “directory information” if applicable requirements under § 99.37 are met. (§ 99.31(a)(11))
• To an agency caseworker or other representative of a State or local child welfare agency or tribal organization who is authorized to access a student’s case plan when such agency or organization is legally responsible, per State or tribal law, for the care and protection of the student in foster care placement. (20 U.S.C. § 1232g(b)(1)(L))
• To the Secretary of Agriculture or authorized representatives of the Food and Nutrition Service for purposes of conducting program monitoring, evaluations, and performance measurements of programs authorized under the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act or the Child Nutrition Act of 1966, under certain conditions. (20 U.S.C. § 1232g(b)(1)(K))

10.24 District: Petal School District

Section L- Organizational Relations

Policy Code- LAA- Title I Parental Involvement

• TITLE I - PARENT INVOLVEMENT
• The Petal School District believes positive parental involvement is essential to achieve maximum emotional, social, and academic growth and encourage participation of parents in all aspects of their child's education. The Petal School District ensures that each participating Title I School will
  • (1) convene an annual meeting, at a convenient time, to which all parents of participating children shall be invited and encouraged to attend, to inform parents of their school's participation under this part and to explain the requirements of this part, and the right of the parents to be involved; Participating schools will invite all parents and community members to an annual meeting to inform them of the Title I School-wide Policy, benefits and activities, and the role, rights, and responsibilities of parents in the education of their child, and federal guidelines. Information presented will include parents' rights to know the qualifications of their child's teacher and the teachers' highly qualified status. Meetings will be publicized through a variety of means.
  • (2) offer a flexible number of meetings, such as meetings in the morning or evening, and may provide, with funds provided under this part, transportation, child care, or home visits, as such services relate to parental involvement; Meetings for parents and community members will be held at different times of the day and different days of the week to accommodate stakeholders as much as possible. Meetings will be publicized through a variety of means.
  • (3) involve parents, in an organized, ongoing, and timely way, in the planning, review, and improvement of programs under this part, including the planning, review, and improvement of the school parental involvement policy and the joint development of the schoolwide program plan under section 1114(b)(2), except that if a school has in place a process for involving parents in the joint planning and design of the school's programs, the school may use that process, if such process includes an adequate representation of parents of participating children; Each school will utilize a committee of school staff, parents, community members and if appropriate, students, to be involved in the planning, review and improvement of the Title I program. Data from surveys and the comprehensive needs assessment will be reviewed to make appropriate decisions regarding school plans and parent involvement policies and plans. A district-level committee will also be involved to review district data and determine district plans and policies. School committees and the district committee will meet regularly to update and revise the plans as needed.
• (4) provide parents of participating children
  • • (A) timely information about programs under this part;
    • (B) a description and explanation of the curriculum in use at the school, the forms of academic assessment used to measure student progress, and the proficiency levels students are expected to meet; and
  • (C) Information concerning federal programs will be communicated to parents and community members through parent meetings, flyers, and the school website. Teachers will communicate with families through various means (i.e.: websites, student planners, communication folders, etc.) Student assessment results and expectations for academic achievement will be explained in group/individual parent meetings. Administrators and teachers will be available and willing to answer questions posed by parents regarding academics or any other programs upon request.
  • (5) If the school-wide program plan under section 1114(b)(2) is not satisfactory to the parents of participating children, submit any parent comments on the plan when the school makes the plan available to the local educational agency. Parents will be notified through various means regarding their right to make comments if they disagree with any aspect of individual school or the district's Title I policies and/or plan. Those comments will be submitted with each school's plan for district approval.
• (6) share the responsibilities for high student academic achievement with parents, the entire school staff and students through the use of a School-Parent Compact.
  • Each school planning team will assist in the development of a parent-school compact. The compact will outline how parents, students and school personnel will share the responsibility for improved student academic achievement. The parent-school compact will describe the responsibility of the school principal and teacher to provide high-quality curriculum and instruction, the student's responsibility to participate in the learning, and the parent's responsibility to support the child. The current school year's compact will be kept on file at the school. The compact will be reviewed each year and revised if necessary.
• (7) Provide assistance in understanding the State's curriculum content standards, State's student academic standards for assessment, how to improve student achievement to include technology training, educate teachers, school staff, and principals on the value of parental involvement, work with outside agencies to encourage parental involvement and publicize information regarding meetings that allow parental involvement.
  • The Petal School District will build partnerships with parents through several means to improve student achievement. Parents will be informed of state academic expectations during group and individual parent meetings. The district and individual websites will provide access to resources for supplemental practice and to computer-based instructional programs. School handbooks and websites will contain the grading policy, information on how to reach school personnel if questions arise, and the interventions that can be provided through Teacher Support Teams. Communication will occur regularly with parents through written correspondence from teachers. Parents will be given opportunities to give their input through the school Shared Decision-Making Council.
• (8) provide full opportunities for the participation of parents with limited English proficiency, parents with disabilities, and parents of migratory children, including providing information and school reports required under section 1111 in a format and, to the extent practicable, in a language such parents understand.
  • The Petal School District will employ staff members who speak languages other than English and are available to provide translation during parent meetings. If needed, resources from local universities will be utilized to provide additional translation services. Information will be sent home to parents in the native language of the family.
• (9) build teachers' and parents' capacity for strong parental involvement.
  • • The commitment of the Petal School District to building strong relationships with families is evident in the core beliefs of the district.
• We believe that:
  • • • A person's potential to learn is limitless.
      • All people have intrinsic worth.
      • Strength comes from engaging the full diversity of the community.
      • Teamwork is essential to the continuous success of an organization.
      • Family is the most important influence in the development of the individual.
      • People can direct their future.
  • People are influenced more by what others do than by what they say.

By engaging in the diversity of the parents in our school community, we hope to lead each child to success. Every employee of the district centers his or her job around the mission of the district - to empower students to thrive. School personnel depend on the input and support of parents in all aspects of the child's education.

10.25 PMS Drop-Off and Pick-Up Procedures

PMS students must be dropped off and picked up in front of the Auditorium between the red lines. No other on-campus drop-off or pick-up locations are permitted.

ALL AUTOMOBILE TRAFFIC IS TO LOAD/UNLOAD IN THE FRONT OF THE CAMPUS.

THE GYM AND REAR AREAS OF THE SCHOOL ARE RESERVED FOR BUS TRAFFIC ONLY.

ALL PEDESTRIAN TRAFFIC CROSSING CENTRAL AVENUE IS TO CROSS WITH THE CROSSING GUARD BETWEEN THE CENTRAL OFFICE AND THE OLD SIXTH GRADE/SCIENCE BUILDING.

10.26 INFORMATION REQUESTS

All requests for information regarding individual students (questionnaires, recommendation letters, surveys, etc) made by schools in other districts, private schools, organizations, clubs, etc. must be approved by the school principal before completion.

All reviews of student records, challenges to student record contents and release information on student records will be adhered to as provided in the School Board Policy Manual.

10.27 Education for Homeless Children and Youth

Homeless students in the district will have access to the education and other services needed to ensure that an opportunity is available to meet the same academic achievement standards to which all students are held. The district will ensure that homeless students are not stigmatized or segregated based on their status as homeless. A liaison for students in homeless situations will be designated by the district to carry out duties as required by law.

10.28 Returning to School after Illness

Students can not return to school before the return date on the doctor’s excuse. Students with fever can not return to school until they have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications. If a student is sent home with a fever by the school nurse, the nurse will provide the attendance excuse with the first return date to the school’s attendance clerk. School personnel will follow the Mississippi Department of Health and CDC recommendations for returning to school.

10.29 Instructional Videos

The goal of the activities department is to provide the best opportunities for students to excel in teamwork, sportsmanship, self-discipline and character.  In addition to developing skill in a sport or activity, the purpose is to provide each participant with experiences that will be positive and memorable and that help develop the capacity for commitment to a cause, acceptance of responsibility and loyalty toward any chosen endeavor.

The Petal School District Chain of Command for complaints and requests from staff, students, parents and/or members of the public is as follows:

All complaints and requests should be addressed to the appropriate person involved in the order listed below. If resolution cannot be reached, the request/complaint should then move to the next level.

1. Coach
2. Activities/Athletic Director
3. Building Principal
4. Assistant Superintendent
5. Superintendent
6. School Board

*All-Sports Pass will grant admission to all regular-season home athletic events for the school year.

**All-Activities Pass will grant admission to all regular season home athletic events and all home arts events.

The ideals of good sportsmanship, ethical behavior and integrity permeate our culture. The values of good citizenship and high behavioral standards apply equally to all activity disciplines. In perception and practice, good sportsmanship shall be defined as those qualities of behavior which are characterized by generosity and genuine concern for others. Further, awareness is expected of the impact of an individual’s influence on the behavior of others. Good sportsmanship is viewed as a concrete measure of the understanding and commitment to fair play, ethical behavior and integrity. Good sportsmanship requires that everyone be treated with respect. This includes members of the opposing team, officials, coaches and spectators. Good sportsmanship includes showing courtesy and kindness toward your opponent as well as fellow team members. Winning is exciting, but doing so at any cost is not the goal. Negative treatment of any participant is outside the spirit and interest of the contest. All Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) sanctioned events are a reflection of our community and school. The conduct of the team is extended to parents and fans before, during and after athletic events.

In order to provide specific guidance for sportsmanship, each student and coach must complete the sportsmanship course found at nfhslearn.com. The completed course certificate must be downloaded into the Dragonfly account.

To Represent your school in athletic contests:

1. You must be a bona fide student, having enrolled no later than day 15 of any semester of participation, carry five major subjects and deport yourself satisfactorily.
2. You must attend the school in the district of which your parents are actual bona fide residents.
3. You must not have reached 19 years of age prior to August 1 of the current school year. 
4. You must have a certified birth certificate (issued by the State Bureau of Vital Statistics in the state where you were born and bearing its official seal and birth/recording number) on file in school office and official eligibility list (a Form 1 with required information about you included) submitted to the state office 15 days before the first contest.
5. You must not have participated in an interscholastic contest for more than four consecutive years after the date of entering into the ninth grade regardless of when he/she began to participate.
6. You must have received an adequate health screening for the current school year prior to participating in interscholastic athletics posted in your Dragonfly account.
7. You must meet Academic Eligibility Rules as defined by the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA).
8. You may be eligible in your home school at the beginning of each new school year as far as any transfer of schools is concerned. Your home school is the one that serves the area where your parent/guardian resides. Eligibility may be established in any school by attending that school for a period of one school year from the date of original entry. If you attend school outside of your “home school” district, you must attend that school for one full calendar year in order to establish eligibility in that school. Always check your eligibility status before changing schools.
9. If your parents make a bona fide move from one school zone to another, you may transfer your eligibility to the new school. You become eligible after a special eligibility sheet signed by the principal of the school from whence he/she comes is submitted by the new school to the state office if you meet all requirements. If you change schools before your parents move, you do not become eligible in the new school until your parents complete a bona fide move into the new school district and a special eligibility sheet is submitted to the MHSAA.
10. You may not participate on a non-school team or in an outside sport activity in your sport(s) during your school season.
11. You must be an amateur athlete.
12. You must not have participated in any non-sanctioned all-star game.

Residency Requirements

All students, including student athletes, managers or support group members must meet the residency requirements of the PSD Board of Education as well as the MHSAA.

A pupil must attend school in a school district of which his/her parents are actual bona fide residents. A parent can have no more than one bona fide residence at any given time. A bona fide residence is one where the family actually lives. This means the specific dwelling in which the family cooks, eats and sleeps on a regular basis and claims as its sole or primary place of residence. This rule does not prevent a parent from commuting to work and it does not prevent a father from traveling out of state where his work requires him to do so, provided he returns to the home periodically and considers the home as his legal, permanent residence. The family mail must also be received where the family lives.

Before the first practice

Dragonfly must be completed by the student/parent before the first practice date on the MHSAA Athletic Seasons with any team.

1. The MHSAA requires students participating in sanctioned competitions to make “satisfactory progress toward graduation." Each school district shall determine the requirements for “satisfactory progress toward graduation” through its graduation requirements and shall interpret this rule according to its requirements.
2. According to Mississippi law, a student must maintain a grade point average of at least a 2.0 or “C” average in order to participate in interscholastic sports/activities. Grade point averages will be calculated at the conclusion of the first semester using the semester averages of all courses the student is taking. Students who do not have a 2.0 or “C” average for the first semester will be ineligible for the second semester.
3. At the end of the school year, each student's grade point average for the year will be assessed. This assessment will reflect the average for the entire year using the final grades for each course. A student who does not have a grade point average of at least a 2.0 or “C” average, will be ineligible for fall semester.
4. High school eligibility begins when a student enters ninth grade. To be eligible for the fall semester, a student must be promoted to ninth grade with at least an overall 2.0 or “C” average for all eighth grade courses.
5. A student may become eligible for the second semester only once during his/her high school career if he/she fails the year-end average the previous year, by achieving at least an overall 2.0 or “C” average at the end of the first semester.

1. For participation on the junior high or middle school level, a student must be promoted (if not promoted, they are ineligible for the entire year) and have passed any four basic courses (any subject that meets the equivalent of at least 250 minutes per week or meets the state department requirement) with a 2.0 or “C” average the previous semester (computed numerically or by GPA). The year-end average of four basic courses passed will be used to determine eligibility for the fall semester. The same guidelines apply at the end of the first semester for spring participation. Students must be on track to be promoted to be eligible. 
2.  A student on the junior high or middle school level, who was promoted but is not eligible at the beginning of the school year due to his/her academic average, may become eligible for the second semester only once during the student’s junior high or middle school career by passing four basic courses with an overall average of 2.0 at the end of the first semester.

1. In order to participate in the fall, a student must be promoted (if not promoted, they are ineligible for the entire year) having passed the four core courses (English, math, science and social studies), and the average of those four core courses must be a “C” or above. For spring semester eligibility the student does not have to be passing all four core courses, but the average of those four core courses must be a “C” or above.
2. Students who are allowed to participate on a high school team in any sport/activity shall not be allowed to participate on a junior high school team in the same sport/activity at the same time or at a later date.
3. Students who are playing up (seventh to eighth) are not allowed to participate on the seventh grade team in the same sport/activity at the same time or at a later date.
4. Ninth grade participation shall be considered as Junior Varsity participation keeping in mind the number of quarters or innings participating during a school week.

The following rules apply to grade checks for determining a student’s eligibility for MHSAA athletics and activities:

• PSD Grading Scale - “C” Average is 70 and above

Losing Eligibility

Athletic Eligibility for each student is checked twice each year- once before the Fall semester begins and a second time before the Spring semester begins. If a student is eligible for the Fall, but does not meet eligibility requirements for their grade at the end of the first semester, they lose eligibility for the second Semester that year. This rule applies even for Winter sports that start in the Fall Semester and conclude in the Spring Semester.

Regaining Eligibility for the Spring Semester

Once in his/her career, a high school competitor can become eligible for the second Semester even though they were ineligible for the first Semester.

Competition Above Grade Level

Students in grades 7-9 may participate on sports teams above their grade level. However, once they compete up, they may never compete back down again in that sport. A student-athlete may never compete below grade level.

Summer School/Correspondence Courses

Students may participate in PSD Summer School or approved Correspondence Courses to meet eligibility requirements for the next Fall. However, in order for coursework to be counted towards Fall eligibility, it must be completed by the student prior to the start of the Fall semester in the PSD.

Age Requirements

• Seventh graders must NOT have reached 14 years of age prior to August 1.
• Eighth graders must NOT have reached 15 years of age prior to August 1.
• Ninth graders must NOT have reached 16 years of age prior to August 1.
• 10th -12th graders must NOT have reached 19 years of age prior to August 1.

Please follow the link below for additional eligibility information.

https://www.misshsaa.com/category/schools/handbook/

Daily attendance at school and practice is expected. In order for a student to be eligible to participate in any after-school activity he/she must be present for 63% of their classes on the day of the activity, with exceptions only being approved by the principal and/or director activities. No student missing 10 or more class periods in a course for which grades and/or credit are issued may not participate in school-sponsored activities or trips unless approved by the school administration. A student must be in school on a regular basis in order to be eligible to participate in athletics/activities. A student who has excessive tardies to school and/or classes will be subject to restriction from athletic/activities participation.

All students are expected to abide by the conduct guidelines in the PSD Secondary Handbook.

In addition, specific team rules may be set forth by the coach/director of each sport/activity. These rules and the penalties for breaking them will be given to the students by the coach/director at the first parent/athlete meeting of that sport.

The National Federation of High Schools defines hazing as “Any humiliating or dangerous activity expected of a student to belong to a group, regardless of their willingness to participate.” Hazing includes acts that carelessly or intentionally endanger the physical or mental health or the safety of another person for the purpose of initiation or as a condition for membership or affiliation with a school organization or promotion to a grade level. Students are not to participate in any form of hazing activities (PSD Secondary Handbook section 3.17.) Students should report any acts of hazing to a coach/director, a principal or the Director of Activities.

Social Media has become ingrained in today’s society. The wide variety of social networking tools presently available provides students easy access to share important news and events with each other. Social media technologies have many benefits in our world; however, they can also be disruptive when inappropriate social media postings occur. Using these communication tools in an inappropriate manner can have negative consequences, especially if unkind words or threats are used with intent to hurt others.

The PSD recognizes and supports its students’ and coaches’ rights to freedom of speech, expression, and association, including the use of social networks. In this context, each student and coach must remember that participating and competing for the PSD is a privilege, not a right. The student and coach represent his or her school and the PSD, and therefore, they are expected to portray themselves, their team and their school in a positive manner at all times. Any online postings or messages must be consistent with federal and state laws, team, school and the PSD rules and regulations (including those listed below).

Specifically prohibited behaviors include but are not limited to:

• sexually explicit, profane, lewd, indecent, illegal or defamatory language/actions
• derogatory language regarding school personnel or other students
• comments designed to harass or bully students and/or school personnel
• nude, sexually oriented, or indecent photos, images or altered pictures

Also prohibited are all on-campus connections to off-campus violations of these expectations and guidelines:

• use of school computers to view off-campus postings
• students accessing posts at school on their own devices
• distribution of hard copies of posts on school property
• re-communication on campus of the content of the posts

Failure to comply with these guidelines may result in disciplinary action or removal from the team or activity.

All accidents or injuries, at home or away, are to be reported to the coach or director immediately. The coach or director will report the injury to the trainer.

If a student athlete is cut from a team he/she may join another team or program in that sport season. A student athlete can't quit one sport to join another sport until that sport season is concluded; i.e., one cannot quit football for basketball until football season is completed. However, athletes will be allowed to transfer from one sport to another during a given season upon mutual agreement of both coaches.

Coaches are encouraged to keep as many students on teams as possible without unbalancing the integrity of their sport or activity. Time, space, facilities, equipment and other factors will place limitations on the size of the squad. Choosing members of the squads shall be the sole responsibility of the coaches/directors of those squads.

Tryouts may not conflict with a spring sport or activity. “In season” students will be provided an alternate time to try out.

Coaches must schedule tryouts with the activities office and complete a MHSAA Request Tryout Form when required.

Students are sometimes involved in concurrent activities and there may be conflicts in schedules. Communication between coaches, directors and sponsors of conflicting activities is vital. The student involved in dual participation makes the final choice in which practice or games he/she will participate.

Students may participate in more than one sport during one season with the approval of both coaches. Practice schedules will be worked out between the coaches involved. Consideration should be given to the importance of the activity (ex. Varsity vs. non-varsity, playoffs vs. regular season and games vs. practice). If contests conflict, the student will decide in which contest to compete. The student must realize that extra time for practice is necessary to compete in two activities in one season. Student must meet the requirements of both activities. If the requirements of one or both activities are not met, the student may be cut from the activity. Any student athlete involved in more than one activity during the same season can't quit one activity without quitting the other. Quitting for academic reasons is the only exception to this rule, and must be approved by the principal.

Medical expenses are the responsibility of the student/family. Written verification from the doctor is required when a physician removes a student from practices, games or activities and to return to student competition.

To be successful the participant must be well disciplined and willing to put aside individualism for the benefit of the team. Conforming to a dress code is part of this process. It is very important to our team/school reputation that our students dress appropriately during the school day and at all school functions.

The following rules are additional to those included in the PSD Secondary Handbook:

1. All athletes must wear practice clothing in approved school colors. No cut off or mutilated clothing.
2. All footwear worn in athletic competition must be school approved colors.
3. Individual coaches may add additional rules related to the dress code.

Equipment checked out is the responsibility of the competitor, and should be kept clean and in good condition. Loss of issued equipment will be the parent’s financial obligation. The student will not be allowed to participate in other activities or receive awards until this obligation is met.
Note: Equipment includes any issued supplies from the training room.

All Petal student athletes/activities are required to have medical insurance and must supply information verifying such before participating in practice and/or competition.

The training room is available to all athletes. Athletes are offered a wide variety of services to help meet the demands of athletic competition. The following are guidelines to be followed when using the training room:

1. No student is permitted in this room without the athletic trainer or coach.
2. Only student athletes needing treatment and/or rehabilitation of an athletic injury are allowed in this area.
3. All taping, bandaging and treatments will be done by the athletic training staff.
4. Wear appropriate clothing– we are a coed facility.
5. Supplies are not to be used or removed without permission. No athlete may participate until all issued supplies have been returned or paid for.

All PSD facilities are to be operated and maintained by the coaches and district personnel as assigned by the district. There is to be no use of facilities without authorized supervision from the coaching staff of the particular sport/activity. The coach shall control the weight room while their team is in the weight room. Athletes may not use the weight room without authorized supervision. It is expected that each head coach will work out an arrangement for their teams to use the weight rooms, with in season sports having priority.

• Weight Room Rules:
  • Shoes are required.
  • No one is allowed in the weight room without authorized supervision.
  • Return all weights to the racks immediately following use.
  • All students must work under the supervision of a coach.

Students should always warm up prior to working out. Rough housing and horseplay will not be tolerated in the weight room.

Transportation to events is provided by the district when appropriate. Parents may be called upon, at times, to help transport students to a contest.  Parents should see the coach or the activities department for a permission form to transport students in a privately owned vehicle. Under no circumstances will an athlete transport other athletes. When a parent drives a vehicle, a copy of their drivers license and insurance is to be turned into Central Office.

Extracurricular includes all athletic programs, cheerleading, band (all areas), chorus, show choir, forensics (all areas), drama and any other program or group that represents students involved in competition and/or after school-related activities. The administration, coaches and directors of the PSD strongly believe that the use and abuse of drugs (excluding those prescribed by a physician to treat specific medical problems) can:

1. be detrimental to the physical and mental health of students involved in extracurricular activities,
2. seriously interfere with the performance of students involved in extracurricular activities,
3. be extremely dangerous to students and their teammates with regard to the participation in competition or practice,
4. create an unfair and damaging stigma for those students who do not use and/or abuse drugs.

The PSD has a genuine concern for the well being of each student. Therefore, a drug-screening program will be implemented in accordance with established board policy. The contracting biomedical laboratory shall be certified by the National Institute of Drugs Abuse (NIDA) and be approved by the school board. The testing shall be done only after consent from the student involved in the activity and the parent/guardian.

Students that are subject to drug testing will be made aware of the drug testing process and the steps/consequences if and when a student tests positive. Every possible precaution will be taken to assure and maintain accuracy and confidentiality of the test results, including the maintenance of a documented chain of specimen custody to ensure the identity and integrity of the sample throughout the collection and testing process.

Specific goals of this drug-screening program are to:

1. educate students concerning the dangers and problems associated with drug use/abuse
2. prevent drug use/abuse by students of the PSD
3. identify any student who may be using/abusing drugs and to determine the identity of the drug
4. provide opportunities for treatment and counseling for any student who is determined to be using/abusing drugs
5. remove the stigma of drug/abuse from those students who do not use/abuse drugs

Procedures:

1. All students participating in extracurricular activities must complete a drug-screening form on DragonFly. This form must be signed and completed by both the student and a parent/guardian in order for the student to practice or compete. With regard to the selection of students, the following procedures shall be followed:

• By September 1 of each school year, the Athletic Dept. will generate a master list of all students who participate in extra/co-curricular activities.
• The master list will be placed in alphabetical order on an Excel spreadsheet with each student assigned a number and delivered to the testing facility.
• The master list will be updated as students are added or deleted from various rosters.
• The principal and director of activities will schedule all dates for drug screening.
• The testing facility will forward a list of 30 randomly selected numbers to the activities department secretary and principal 24 hours prior to testing. Random selection shall be conducted by the testing facility utilizing an electronic/computer based program.

2. If a student tests positive, the appropriate coach or director will take the following steps:

• The student’s parent(s) or legal guardian(s) will be notified.
• The student may be required to attend a drug-counseling program at his/her own expense.
• The student will forfeit interscholastic participation, including in-class and after-school practices and competitions for a minimum of seven consecutive days. Students can resume participation following a negative drug test conducted at Petal SEMRHI Clinic after a minimum of seven consecutive days.
  • Students who test positive for drugs will forfeit certain team and individual awards as determined by the coach or director.
• The student will be mandated to participate in the next drug test session.
• A second positive test will result in a 28 day suspension from all practices, competitions and performances.
• If the student tests positive after the third test, he/she will be suspended indefinitely.

If a student is suspended, the student has the right to appeal the decision to the PSD Board of Trustees for the determination. The student shall have the right to have counsel present at the student’s own expense.

We want the interscholastic competitor experience to be positive for your student and compliment their academic experiences at PSD. However, we do understand that questions and concerns can come up within all extracurricular activities, therefore we want to help in navigating through those situations and communicating with personnel.

Extracurricular activities (including athletics) is a privilege and not a right. There are certain expectations and requirements that come with being able to participate such as:

1. academic requirements
2. behavioral expectations
3. tryout participation and selection to the team if applicable
4. enrollment in the drug testing program
5. positively representing the school, team and community
6. being able to work within a team environment

We hope to provide as many opportunities as possible for students to participate in extracurricular programs, but participation on a team does not always result in playing or to determining positions. Our coaching staff is hired to make the coaching decisions including but not limited to:

1. team selection
2. playing time for the competitors
3. position placement for the competitors
4. game plans and practice plans
5. expectations in regard to academics, attendance, attitude, work ethic, etc.

We ask that any conversations that might involve emotional content never be discussed on a game day or directly following a practice. All coaches are expected to be available to our parents, but we ask that conferences be scheduled in advance. We also ask that the chain of communication within the district be followed. In each of these cases, the recommended course of action is to request a meeting at an agreed upon time, and let that person know the reason for the meeting.

Students who choose to participate in any extracurricular activity need to understand that participation in these activities is a privilege. Along with any team or program specific rules, students who choose to engage in behavior that is deemed inappropriate are subject to disciplinary actions by the coach or administration that could rise to the level of removal from a team or program.

Concussion Management and Return to Play Policy                                            

The Board of Trustees of this school district adopts this concussion management and return to play policy that includes the following guidelines:

• Parents or guardians shall receive and sign a copy of the concussion policy before the start of the regular school athletic event season. 
• An athlete who reports or displays any symptoms or signs of a concussion in a practice or game setting shall be removed immediately from the practice or game. The athlete shall not be allowed to return to the practice or game for the remainder of the day regardless of whether the athlete appears or reports feeling normal. 
• The athlete shall be evaluated by a healthcare provider working within the provider's scope of practice. 
• If an athlete has sustained a concussion, the athlete shall be referred to a licensed physician, preferably one with experience in managing sports concussion injuries. 
• The athlete who has been diagnosed with a concussion shall be returned to play only after full recovery and clearance by a healthcare provider.
• Return to play after a concussion should be gradual and follow a progressive return to competition.
• An athlete shall not return to a competitive game before demonstrating that the athlete has no symptoms in a fully supervised practice.
• Athletes shall not continue to practice or return to play while still having symptoms of a concussion.

Concussion Policy Definitions

• "Health care provider" means a licensed physician or a licensed nurse practitioner, licensed physician assistant or licensed health care professional working within the person's scope of practice and under the direct supervision or written consultation of a physician. All healthcare providers referred to in this act also must be trained in the evaluation and management of concussions. 
• "School athletic event" means activities sanctioned by the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) or the Mississippi Association of Independent Schools (MAIS), and school-sponsored activities in Grades 7 through 12 of schools that are not members of the MHSAA or the MAIS which activities are organized and conducted in a manner substantially similar to activities that are sanctioned by the MHSAA or the MAIS.

The administration and faculty welcome you to the Petal Education Center (PEC) for the 2023-24 school year.

During your time at the PEC, you will be offered an opportunity to continue your intellectual, social, physical and moral development. We wish to help you in this very important part of your life and want you to be successful!

The information in this handbook is provided to help everyone understand the rules and expectations that are necessary to make our school an enjoyable and productive place to learn. Those that succeed in school must do these things:

1. Be at school and in class every day on time.
2. Do your best each day.
3. Behave appropriately.

If we can be of assistance, please let us know,

The PEC Faculty

The PSD recognizes the importance of a safe and secure environment in order to provide the most effective learning situation. PSD has taken certain precautions and specific measures to ensure the safety of both students and staff.

A crisis management plan has been developed and extends the idea of proactive planning for a major crisis that may occur. It ensures that district officials working with community leaders have discussed and developed an appropriate plan of response that will make use of all available resources.

The public information contact during a crisis is the PSD Superintendent of Education. Public notification of a crisis would be through local radio and television stations. Should early dismissal of students be necessary, parents may pick up their student at the front entrance to the campus and school buses would run early. Should evacuation of the campus be necessary, students would be evacuated to a predetermined area.

The purpose of alternative education is to accommodate behavioral and academic needs of children and adolescents which cannot be adequately addressed in a traditional school environment. In addition, alternative education provides direct social, emotional and behavior management instruction to students.

The mission of the alternative education program is to promote academic success, modify behavior, and facilitate employability and functional skills attainment, as well as to support career and character education development in an environment that differs from the traditional school setting and offers a more conducive setting for learning. Through ongoing direct instruction, guidance, and monitoring, students will be provided support with the goal of returning the student to a comprehensive school environment with the necessary abilities to function therein.

The alternative school program is defined through written board-approved policies and procedures that define and provide appropriate educational opportunities for the categories of students to be served. Further, the program must meet the requirements of Section 37-13-92 of the Mississippi Code, which delineates the components of alternative education. An alternative education program involves temporary authorized departure from the traditional school setting. It is designed to provide educational and social development for students whose behavior places them at risk of not succeeding in the traditional school structure and/or in adult life without positive interventions.

Based on Mississippi Code 1972 Annotated Section 37-13-92, school districts shall establish, maintain, and operate, in connection with the regular programs of the school district, an alternative school program or behavior modification program for, but not limited to, the following categories of any compulsory- school- aged students:

• who has been suspended for more than 10 days or expelled from school, except for any student expelled for possession of a weapon or other felonious conduct.
• who is referred to such alternative school based upon a documented need for placement in the alternative school program by the parent, legal guardian or custodian of such child due to disciplinary problems.
• who is referred to such alternative school program by the dispositive order of a chancellor or youth court judge, with the consent of the superintendent of the child’s school district.
• whose presence in the classroom, in the determination of the school superintendent or principal, is a disruption to the educational environment of the school or a detriment to the best interest and welfare of the students and teacher of such class as a whole.

Before any student can be enrolled at the PEC, he/she (accompanied by parent/guardian) must attend the orientation and enrollment session.

Orientation sessions will be scheduled by a principal after 4 p.m. Students and parents/guardians should be prepared to stay at least 30 minutes to one hour. During this session, information will be provided on the PEC and enrollment forms distributed and/or completed. A course of study plan will be established to meet the individual needs of each student. This plan will be developed with input from the principal and counselor of the referring school and at least one representative from the alternative school.

Each school will follow the procedures for student referral in order for a student to be accepted into the PEC. Each enrolled student will have an Individualized Instructional Plan (IIP) stating the objectives to be mastered for each course with additional objectives intended to assist the student to achieve successful learning experiences and modified social behavior that will entitle him/her to return to and re-enter his/her home school in order to graduate. Students will be enrolled for the amount of time assigned by the Discipline Review Committee unless they are granted early completion, as per the early completion guidelines.

The principal shall require verification from the appropriate home school counselor that a student referred is suitable for placement. Before a student is removed and placed in the program, the superintendent must determine that the disciplinary policy of the local district is being followed. The removal of a student requires a committee of teachers and other appropriate professional personnel to develop the IIP or IEP for students receiving special education services to ensure the continued education for the removed student. The IIP should include the duration of placement. The IIP and/or IEP must be completed prior to placement.

Student placement into an alternative education program is based on a required referral process. This referral process will need to be included in the district’s handbook. The Disciplinary Committee may be composed of a minimum of three members, (i.e., principal, teacher, counselor) and a special education teacher, when applicable. The parents/guardians of the student should be present during the committee’s hearing. A student’s placement or assignment may be extended due to academic behavior or attendance deficiencies. Students assigned to the alternative program are expected to pass their academic courses and attend school on a daily basis unless otherwise excused.

Students assigned to the PEC must exhibit appropriate behavior and adhere to the PEC rules and regulations. In the case of a recommendation for alternative education placement, the superintendent or his designee must conduct a review of the recommendation. The review shall take into account the following factors:

• the student is suspended for more than 10 days or expelled
• the nature and seriousness of the violation
• the degree of danger to the school community
• the student’s disciplinary history, including the seriousness and number of previous infractions
• the appropriateness of an alternative education placement or program
• the student’s age and grade level
• the results of any mental health, substance abuse or special education assessments
• the student’s attendance and academic records

A customized intervention program with support services to meet the needs of individual students assigned to the program a comprehensive transition plan for each student returning to the traditional school setting that outlines support services that are to be provided upon the student’s return to the home school.

Detailed information from the home school should be provided and include the following:

• academic reports
• attendance reports
• copies of requested cumulative records
• counseling reports
• counselor referral
• detailed report surrounding the disciplinary infraction
• Due Process information
• emergency information
• IIP or IEP if student is receiving special education services
• intervention/s used (RTI, TST, including behavior logs)
• manifestation determination results and minutes
• MSIS information
• other behavioral/disciplinary reports
• parental input
• referral form (include duration of placement)
• superintendent approval for placement
• test data

A student’s exit will be contingent upon regular attendance, achieving and exhibiting appropriate behavior, and academic progress during his/her assignment at PEC. An evaluation by the PEC staff of the student’s behavior, attendance and academic progress should be performed prior to returning a student to their home school. If the student’s behavior, academic progress, or attendance has been unsatisfactory, the student should remain at PEC setting until more favorable progress can be achieved.

A student’s assigned days to the PEC are mandatory and must be completed to be eligible to transition to his/her home school. For any student that transitions out but is reassigned as a consequence of another disciplinary issue, that student may be assigned for a minimum of two terms (18 weeks).

Cumulative records on each student placed in an alternative program remain at and are maintained by the school of origin. The curriculum and instructional methodology address the needs of the student through an IIP or IEP for students with disabilities. These programs emphasize academic performance, behavior modification, functional skills and career education. Academic performance is defined as the achievement level of each assigned student. This performance can be documented by scores on classroom examinations, standardized examinations or ACT and/or Mastery Prep. Students should be assessed by one of the methods stated above and their scores recorded as part of their IIP or IEP. The academic portion of the IIP or IEP should be developed based upon the student’s ability and baseline data obtained from the selected assessment.

Behavior modification is a structured process that must be implemented to help modify student behavior. There are various ways of achieving these results, i.e., group therapy and individual counseling. Functional skills are defined as the current abilities that students must possess when they are assigned to the alternative program. These may include such skills as reading level, grade level, etc. Additionally, career orientation should be viewed as an integral part of assisting students with preparation and planning careers during and after high school, post-secondary, vocational skills or military.

The curriculum shall also include a component for teaching socially acceptable behavior. In addition, the district shall provide certified staff in the core subject areas (math, science, English and social studies). Students entering ninth grade will be required to obtain a half credit in health and physical education (PE) as a part of graduation requirements.

The PEC must provide a teacher to teach physical education as well as a teacher certified in health if the courses are graduation requirements. School Districts that require students to obtain those credits early in their high school career will not have to provide these classes at PEC. If a student is referred to PEC in grades 9-11, alternative education will not be required to provide health or physical education as the student will still have time to take the course before graduating. Additional academic offerings may be provided at the expense and discretion of the district; however, no other courses are required by state guidelines for alternative education programs.

PSD shall deliver instruction in accordance with the following standards:

• Curriculum and instructional practices shall reflect high expectations for students.
• Curriculum shall address cultural and learning style differences.
• Instructional activities shall be consistent with the written curriculum and appropriate for the students’ developmental levels.
• Instructional materials shall be age-appropriate, functionally appropriate and of high-interest level for students.
• Sufficient instructional materials, supplies and equipment shall be available to deliver the instructional program.
• The instructional program shall be delivered in a climate conducive to learning.

PEC personnel may copy materials from the original cumulative folder to maintain at the AE site. Any copied material must be maintained in a secure location.

• A copy of any state test results that apply to the student.
• Cumulative folder copies may be updated at the PEC , but any added information must be placed in the cumulative folder at the home school.
• The cumulative folder must reside in the home school.
• When no longer in use, any information obtained from the cumulative folder MUST be shredded (FERPA violations).

• Academic and behavioral progress reports
• PEC handbook notification form
• PEC transition committee checklist
• behavior modification tracking forms
• counseling schedule
• counselor referral form
• criminal or unlawful activity reports
• individual instruction plan or individual education plan and revisions if applicable
• parent notice of student placement at PEC
• superintendent referral and recommendation Form
• transition team exit evaluation

Students enrolled in the PEC will participate in the Mississippi Assessment System at sites determined by school officials and in accordance with established guidelines regarding student grade levels and eligibility. Test results for these students will be assigned to the school of origin for accountability purposes. When students report to their home schools for required testing, that student will be considered exempt and does not have to report to the PEC.

A student at PEC shall receive school counseling services and/or other support services such as school social work or psychological services as indicated in the IIP or IEP. Many students assigned to the PEC have unique needs that can't be totally addressed by resources at PSD. In order to meet the needs of students and parents, it is recommended that PSD collaborates with other entities in their community such as but not limited to the following:

• attendance officers
• business, civic and/or community organizations
• Department of Human Services
• Faith-based organizations
• Health Department
• law enforcement programs
• local colleges
• medical community
• mental health-The Mississippi Department of Health will work with PEC for students who qualify for Medicaid benefits.
• mentors and tutors
• partners in education
• PTA, PTO, PTSA and DHS
• vocational rehabilitation
• youth court

Staff development promotes growth and development as well as educational services for children with academic and behavior deficiencies. The PEC teaching staff is provided staff development through the home school and district-wide training activities.

Local school boards shall comply with applicable state and federal laws and regulations in the education of exceptional students placed in alternative education programs.

The IEP team shall develop a student’s written plan which includes academic courses, behavioral components, criteria for re-entry to the home school or to another appropriate setting and provisions for periodic review of the student’s progress. A student identified as having special needs must have a certified teacher in the area of special education working with him/her at the PEC. School personnel may remove a student to an interim alternative educational setting for not more than 45 school days and without regard for whether the behavior is determined to have manifested in association with the child’s disability, if the child:

• carries a weapon to, or possesses a weapon on school campus or at school functions on any school campus in the PSD under the jurisdiction of the state education agency or a local education agency; or
• knowingly possesses or uses illegal drugs, or sells or solicits the sale of a controlled substance, while at school, on school premises, or at all school functions under the jurisdiction of a state education agency or a local education agency; or
• has inflicted serious bodily injury upon another person while at school, on school premises or at a school function under the jurisdiction of a state education agency and/or local education agency

The decision to remove a student with a disability from the student’s current educational placement due to disciplinary infractions must be made by the student’s IEP team. Students with disabilities who violate the Code of Student Conduct or who engage in inappropriate behavior, disruptive or prohibited activities, and/or actions injurious to themselves or others, which would typically result in corrective action or discipline of students without disabilities, shall be disciplined in accordance with state and federal laws and regulations and if applicable, their IEP and Board policy. A manifestation hearing must be held at the student’s school of origin to determine if the infraction justifies alternative placement. A student with a disability may be placed in an alternative educational setting; however, removal of a student with a disability from his/her current placement to an interim alternative educational setting may be implemented by school personnel for up to 45 school days for certain infractions committed by students with disabilities. The IEP team shall determine the interim educational setting.

The district shall comply with provisions and procedural safeguards of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) federal and state regulations when disciplining students with disabilities for violations of district policy or school rules and regulations. A student with a disability may be suspended for 10 consecutive days for the same reasons and duration as a student without a disability. Such suspension shall not constitute a change in the student’s educational placement. Also, use of interim alternative educational settings permitted by law does not constitute a change in educational placement for these purposes.

It is the responsibility of the district to select the most qualified applicant(s) to implement the alternative education program. Personnel shall be qualified for their assigned positions and comply with state-directed alternative education elements (15:1). PEC teachers who are teaching core academic content courses must meet the requirement for highly qualified teachers under Every Student Succeeds Act requirement.

Adequate instructional staff must be assigned to the alternative program to always ensure the continuing education of students and classroom supervision. Further, students assigned for a grading period or longer and receiving Carnegie unit credits will receive instruction from appropriately certified teachers. When the alternative school program is housed in a freestanding facility separate from the traditional school program, a certified administrator must be assigned to supervise the program.

Local school boards shall adopt policies and procedures for the operation of alternative education programs. Policies and procedures shall include, but are not limited to:

• Boss vs. Lopez Due Process Procedures
  • advise student of infraction, allow students an opportunity to give his/her version of the story);
• manifestation hearing for students receiving special education services;
• the goals of the program;
• the eligibility criteria and process for the placement of students in the program
  • including the composition of the Transition Team which may be an existing school team such as the Teacher Support Team;
• the continuing education of students; the involvement of parents and community agencies;
• length and time of the school day;
• plan for awarding of credits;
• district discipline policy, the staffing plan (motivated and culturally diverse staff), personnel qualifications and class size limits (15:);
• criteria for completion of the alternative education program or reentry into regular education;
• and the performance measures and process for program evaluation.

Rules and regulations which address the unique needs of alternative program students have been developed and disseminated to parents and students.

• Define the alternative education program and procedures in Board Policy.
• Ensure accreditation standards are being met.
• Ensure that the Discipline Policy has been followed prior to removal of a student.
• Provide a facility that is clean, safe, and functional, and commensurate with facilities provided other students in the district.
• Provide adequate, certified staff that is motivated and culturally diverse.
• Provide an alternative school program or behavior modification program that meets the requirements of MS Code,  Section 37-13-92.
• Provide for the continued education of students.
• Provide for the safety of regular staff and students.
• Provide written policies that meet Goss vs. Lopez due process procedures.

• Determine suitability of student to be placed at the PEC
• Develop a process of educational review by teachers and other appropriate professional personnel to assist in the development of the Individualized Instruction Plan (IIP)
• Develop and implement consistent due process procedures
• Ensure student participation in the Mississippi Assessment System
• Ensure the written and distributed discipline policy has been followed
• Maintain cumulative (not original) records on alternative education students
• Notify parents or guardians regarding removal of student
• Provide data to show “failure to respond” to Tier II and III interventions
• Provide Tier II and III efforts using research and evidenced based practices and positive behavioral interventions

• assist in the development of an IIP that provides for courses required for graduation for each student with emphasis in academics, applied behavioral analysis (behavior modification), functional skills, and career education
• complete annual program review and evaluation as directed by MDE
• determine duration of placement
• ensure student participation in the Mississippi Assessment System
• ensure the safety of staff and students by referring any student involved in criminal or violent behavior on campus to the appropriate authorities
• ensure that the maximum teacher/student ratio is 1:15
• ensure that there are high expectations for student achievement
• meet MDE accreditation standards
• meet requirements of MS Code,  Section 37-13-92 and SBP (901)
• provide academic instruction that is tailored to meet the specific needs and learning style of students
• provide adequate, caring, certified staff who are motivated and culturally diverse
• provide community involvement and support
• provide continuous staff development that supports teachers in developing and enhancing classroom management skills
• provide/require counseling for parents and students
• provide evaluation of student’s progress at regular intervals and maintain records
• provide for the continuing education of students
• provide written rules addressing the unique needs of alternative education students to both parents and students
  • these are clearly stated mission and discipline code

• assist in the development of policies, procedures and programs
• assist staff in the development of IIP
• communicate with other administrators, personnel and outside organizations to coordinate activities and programs
• identify resource needs
• interpret, apply, and assure compliance with state law and policy, district law and policy and accreditation standards
• maintain current knowledge of new trends and innovations
• manage and oversee the day-to-day operations
• plan, organize, control and direct the provisions of services
• provide staff development
• recommend appropriate service and staff
• research, analyze, and evaluate current and new service delivery models, procedures and techniques
• resolve issues and conflict
• supervise the performance of assigned personnel

• Total Instructional Time per night: 330 minutes

• *The Early Session course offerings will be those courses needed by a student to meet promotion or graduation requirements. Examples of such courses would be Comprehensive Health, Compensatory Reading, Computer Applications, etc. Course offerings will vary depending on student needs.
• All students in grades 9-11 will be required to take two classes a night. If a student has completed a core course, an appropriate elective class will be selected and added to their schedule. Only seniors who have met or are completing final requirements for graduation will be eligible for early release at 6:35.

All students will be enrolled in two classes per night. If a student completes a course, that student will be enrolled in another course that fulfills a graduation requirement or another class that is beneficial to the student. Seniors who have no more courses to take will be eligible for early release only if they are on track to complete all course(s) on time or early.

Grades are placed on report cards each nine-week term. All grades recorded on the student’s report card will be stated both by letter and number (i.e., 90/A). During each nine-week term, tests and other means are used by teachers to measure the progress students have made in various subjects. The grade given at the end of each nine weeks indicates the quality of work a student is doing.

• EXPLANATION OF MARKS:
  • A = 90 – 100
  • B = 80 - 89
  • C = 70 - 79
  • D = 65 - 69
  • F = 64 and below(Failing)

• No passing grade of less than 65 or more than 100 should be recorded on the cumulative folder or report card.
• The school session is divided into two semesters. Each semester is further divided into two nine week terms.
• Grades are posted each nine weeks term.
• Individual grades during a term are combined to create an average for the term.  The weight of individual assignments may vary by assignment type (i.e. tests and daily grades).
• The semester and yearly grades are to be determined as follows:
  • The average of the two nine-week grades will be the semester grade.
  • The yearly average is determined by averaging the two semester grades.

In the event a student’s numerical grading period averages less than 50, the average will be recorded as a 50 for each grading period only in the first half of the course. The student’s actual average will be recorded each grading period for the second half of the course.

In the event a student’s numerical grading period averages less than 50, the average will be recorded as a 50 for each grading period only in the first half of the course. The student’s actual average will be recorded each grading period for the second half of the course.

Report cards will be given to students to carry home at the end of each reporting period. No report cards will be distributed to students who owe library books, textbooks, school fees, etc., to their home schools. Report Cards should be signed by the student's parents/guardians and returned promptly to the school. 

The procedures in this section shall constitute a good-faith effort by the Petal School District to comply with state law, to foster academic growth, and to establish expectations of each student at Petal Education Center to attend classes on a regular basis.

STATE LAW

The Mississippi Compulsory School Attendance Law (37-13-91) requires all children who have attained or will attain the age of six years on or before September 1 of the calendar year and who have not attained the age of 17 on or before September of the calendar year to be in regular attendance at school. The law also requires that the Superintendent report immediately to the local School Attendance Officer any compulsory school-age child who has not enrolled within 15 calendar days after the first day of the school year. In addition, the Superintendent will report any child with five unexcused absences to the School Attendance Officer for appropriate consultation between the officer and parents/guardians. When the child has 12 unexcused absences, the law provides that charges of “Education Child Neglect” may be brought against the parent/guardian. Potential punishment for Education Child Neglect is a fine of up to $1,000 and/or one year in jail. The School Attendance Officer is available to assist parents in having the children understand the importance of getting an education through our public school system.

EXCUSED ABSENCES

Under Mississippi law (37-13-91), in order for an absence to be determined as EXCUSED, satisfactory evidence of the excuse must be provided by the student, including a note from the parent or a physician’s excuse. The following eight categories constitute EXCUSED ABSENCES:

1. an absence resulting from illness or injury of the student which prevents the student from being physically able to attend school
2. an absence resulting from the death or serious injury of a member of the immediate family (parents, grandparents, siblings)
3. an absence resulting from medical or dental reasons
4. an absence resulting from a student’s attendance at the proceedings of a court or administrative tribunal
5. an absence due to a required religious observance or event
6. an absence resulting from an authorized school activity
7. an absence that requires a student to be isolated for health purpose
8. an absence whereby the principal determines that conditions warrant that the absence be excused, which includes pre-approval of the absence by the principal

For state auditing purposes and to keep proper in-house records, an excused absence must be submitted by the parent or by the principal or his designee in written form. It is the responsibility of the student to keep up with or to track the excused absences turned in each month. Absences from one month cannot be altered in the automated system during the next month.

*When students report to their home schools for required testing, that student will be considered present and does not have to report to the PEC.

**Excused absences do not impact the number of days served. Even if excused, these days have to be made up unless they are for a documented inpatient stay in a hospital or a mental health facility. Documentation must be an official letter from the doctor/facility with dates of admission and discharge. A parent note will not qualify as documentation in these instances.

To obtain an EXCUSED absence for the student, the parent or guardian may do one of the following:

1. Send a written excuse by the student that clearly states the date(s) of the absence(s) and the reason for the absence(s). The student’s first and last names, a parent’s legible signature and a contact number, and the reason for the absence(s). The excuse must be presented to the office prior to the first session on the day that the student returns to school. Only two (2) parent/guardian notes or doctor’s excuses (excusing a maximum of two consecutive days each) per term will be accepted for excusing a student’s absences.
   • NOTE: After a student has exceeded two (2) parental absences in a nine week grading period, he/she must present a doctor’s excuse or court documentation for each additional day missed, no later than the second day that the student returns to the school.
2. Obtain approval from a principal (or principal’s designee) when there is prior knowledge of an absence. However, no absence of two weeks or longer will be approved unless the reason is covered by state law and confirmed in advance and documented by a principal.

UNEXCUSED ABSENCES

Also according to state law (37-13-91), an “unlawful” absence is an absence for which the student does not have a valid excuse, including days missed because of disciplinary suspension. These absences are also called UNEXCUSED absences. If the student does not turn in an excuse on or before the second day of the student’s return to school, then the absence may be considered UNEXCUSED,

The principal has the authority to review absences to determine necessary exceptions.

Checkouts before 8:00 p.m. will count as an absence at the PEC and must be made up. Any checkout that is not a result of an emergency regardless of checkout time may count as an absence. Emergencies must be verified by the principal.

 MAKE-UP WORK FOR EXCUSED ABSENCES

The student will be allowed to make up work missed following an excused absence by contacting the particular teacher. The make-up work may be done under the following provisions:

1. Make-up work is to be done immediately when you return to school.
2. Time permitted for work to be made up shall be in direct proportion to the days missed. In other words, once the teacher gives the make-up work to the student, the student has the same number of days to complete and turn in the work as the number of days he/she missed.
3. Make-up tests will be given at the discretion of the teacher.

ATTENDANCE AT SCHOOL FUNCTIONS/ EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

While enrolled at the Petal Education Center, students are prohibited from attending any and all school functions/extracurricular activities no matter where it is hosted. This includes but is not limited to sporting events, performances or competitions by any athletics team or other activity or competitive group.

Students must make satisfactory progress in three major areas - the ABC’s of the PEC:

• Academics
• Behavior
• Course performance.

Attendance will be taken and documented daily. Students with five or more unexcused absences within a grading period will be referred to a Forrest County School Attendance Officer.

Academic progress will be measured by successful completion or on-pace progress of coursework as documented in the Student Appraisal Report.

Behavior will be measured by the decrease in the number of behavioral incident reports and disciplinary actions taken.

Any student that is not in the school building by 4 p.m. will be considered late to school. Students checking in after 4:10 p.m. must be signed in by a parent or have a note or call from home to clear them. Students who report to school late should report to the office to sign in and be cleared by a principal or counselor before reporting to class. Failure to do so will result in truancy. All students who check in late will be treated as tardy or truant, unless the principal excuses the incident.

No student shall leave the school without permission from the principal or his designee. Students shall be allowed to check out of school for personal illness or emergencies but must be checked out by a parent, guardian or other adult on the student’s checkout list. Students must be signed out in the office before they will be allowed to leave school. Identification must be presented at the time of checkout.

A parent/guardian can come to the school and complete a Check-out Authorization Form that will authorize someone other than the parent/guardian who is 21 years of age or older to check the student out. Excessive checkouts result in loss of instructional time and also disruptions of class. Checkouts also count towards additional days in combination with tardies and check-ins but without the penalty of dinner detention.

A student is considered truant when he or she is absent without knowledge or consent of parents and school officials. Parents must accompany such pupils to the principal’s office before re-admittance to class.

Only students who are legal residents of the PSD as determined by residency requirements of this district, have been referred by local participating schools of this district, and have met all requirements for placement will be allowed to attend the PEC.

Students will be admitted to the PEC based on the recommended grade level of the referring school. Course selections will be determined by the course offerings of the PEC and the needs of the students.

Seniors who are enrolled at the PEC during the fourth nine weeks may be prohibited from participation in commencement exercises. An alternate graduation ceremony will be held for students who do not transition back to PHS prior to graduation ceremonies.

The objectives of discipline within our school may be considered threefold:

1. To establish and maintain favorable study conditions free from distraction and misbehavior.
2. To establish and maintain respect for authority within the school.
3. To develop on the part of the student, ideals, interests, habits, and skills that make for self-government and good citizenship.

We recognize that for learning to take place we must maintain conditions conducive to learning. This implies a classroom and school environment that is orderly. Respect for authority is stressed, but it should come, at least partly, as a result of leadership and not forced tribute.

The responsibility for a student’s behavior rests with the parents or legal guardian and the individual student. The principal has the authority to administer any disciplinary action approved by the Petal School Board necessary to enforce the policies of the PSD and include, if necessary, the involvement of appropriate law enforcement or juvenile authorities.

Any student who is or becomes involved in violent behavior will be removed from the PEC.

Students who are placed at The PEC for drug or alcohol offenses have 30 calendar days from the date of the intake conference to present a negative drug screen. The exact date will be noted on the admission paperwork. The PEC takes no disciplinary action against a student until the 30 days have passed; however, students may not become eligible to return to their school of origin without the initial and/or ongoing negative drug screen.

In accordance with Petal School Board Policy JCDAC, The PEC will require a drug screen if the student exhibits signs of drug/alcohol use or possession, or if there is reasonable suspicion of either possession or use. If a drug screen is required, the results will be submitted to the administration of the PEC. The PSD considers the refusal or failure to submit the requested drug screen as an admission of guilt.

Additionally, all students referred for placement at the PEC for drug-related offenses (possession, sale/distribution, under the influence, etc) will be required to participate in an approved drug and alcohol counseling program. The district may require parents to participate in the child’s rehab counseling.

The PSD will partner with Pine Belt Mental Healthcare Resources to implement support services. Students will be referred to and will be required to participate in this outpatient treatment program as a condition of their placement at the PEC. If parents/guardians refuse this service and choose to enroll in an alternative drug and alcohol counseling program, proof of satisfactory participation in the counseling program must be submitted to administration for approval as a substitution for the ADAPT program. Where fees for service are involved, parents will be responsible for payment.

The discipline philosophy of PSD supports the teacher's right to teach and the student's right to learn. Behavior that stops the teacher and/or any student from learning will not be tolerated. We recognize that effective discipline requires the shared responsibility of parents, students, and school personnel.

Parents are notified of a suspension by telephone and/or by letter. If a parent is not contacted by phone, a letter with the information is given to the student. On occasion, a student is suspended immediately if it is considered in his/her best interest or the general welfare of the other students and/or school personnel.

Students will be held to the standard of behavior in most cases in accordance to that of their home school. There are, however, specific guidelines to which all PEC students should adhere. Where these guidelines differ, students will be held to those established by the PEC.

1. All students must enter the building at a central point, sixth-grade building door near the restrooms and must be accompanied by a principal or counselor.
2. All students should bring necessary materials for classwork (pens, pencils, paper, etc.).
3. Eating/drinking will be allowed during dinner and breaks only. Food or drink of any kind, including candy or gum, is not allowed in the classrooms.
4. Continuous misbehavior of any student will result in disciplinary action. Should a student continuously disrupt class, refuse to do his/her class work, or misbehave during break, the parent or guardian (at the discretion of the principal) will be required to come to school for a parent conference.

Each student will receive dinner detention for the first and second dress code referrals. Every third referral will result in a referral and an additional day to serve. Subsequent tardies/check-ins will result in a referral and an additional day to serve.

Each student will receive dinner detention for the first and second tardies/check-ins. On the third tardy/check-in, the student will receive a referral and an additional day to serve. Subsequent tardies/check-ins will result in a referral and an additional day to serve. Tardies/check-ins start over every nine weeks.

Once a principal recommends long-term suspension or expulsion of a student, a due process hearing is held. This hearing allows parents and students an opportunity to present information and testimony relevant to their case. After the due process hearing, the superintendent or his/her designee will determine whether the student will be placed at the alternative school.

Teachers will provide students and/or parents with a list of rules and consequences which will be used in their classrooms. When a student chooses to break the rules, consequences will be consistently applied. 

Students will enter the PEC at the point on the disciplinary ladder as referred by their school. Consequences for behavior infractions will be determined at the discretion of PEC administration and can include suspension or expulsion.

A detention program has been established for students who misbehave or who violate the school district’s discipline or behavioral policies and procedures. If emergencies exist necessitating a possible change, the principal or assistant principal will make this decision. The detention program shall be held Monday– Thursday during the student’s assigned dinner period.

All detention shall be handled according to the following procedures:

1. All detention shall be served at the time assigned.
2. Absences due to personal illness, serious illness in the family, death in the family or special permission obtained in advance from the principal may be reassigned.
3. Refusal to report to detention may result in suspension.
4. Students who do not conduct themselves in a proper manner while serving detention will be re-assigned to serve additional days or may result in suspension.

ISR, detention and suspension of 10 days or less may not be appealed beyond the school principal. Any student’s parent or guardian aggrieved by the principal’s decision may request in writing a review of the decision by the principal.

Expulsion is defined as any denial of school attendance beyond 10 days which may be permanent, or which may terminate at the beginning of the next school year provided sufficient rehabilitation can be demonstrated. A hearing before a district discipline review committee is automatic.

Students may be disciplined for acts or crimes off-campus.

The responsibility for a student’s conduct rests with the parents/legal guardian and his/her youngster. The principal has the authority to administer any disciplinary action approved by the Petal School Board necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of all students. The administration will take whatever steps are necessary to enforce the policies of the Petal School District.

MISSISSIPPI STATE CODE 37.11.29 STATES THAT

THE PRINCIPAL IS REQUIRED WHEN HE/SHE HAS REASONABLE BELIEF THAT ANY RELATED ACTIVITY TO IMMEDIATELY REPORT THE ACT TO THE APPROPRIATE LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY. AS STUDENT KNOWINGLY IN POSSESSION OF A WEAPON AS DEFINED BY MS CODE 97-37-17 AND /OR ANY IMITATION WEAPON, WILL BE RECOMMENDED FOR EXPULSION, THE WEAPON WILL BE SEIZED, AND THE MATTER WILL BE REFERRED TO THE APPROPRIATE LAW ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY.

The school boards of all school districts shall have the following powers, authority, and duties in addition to all others imposed or granted by law, to with: (e) To suspend or to expel a pupil or to change the placement of a pupil to the school district’s alternative school or home-bound program for misconduct in the school on school property as defined in Section 87-11-29, on the road to and from school, or at any school-related activity or event, or for conduct occurring on property other than school property or other than at a school-related activity or event when such conduct by a pupil, in the determination of the school superintendent or principal, renders that pupil’s presence in the classroom a disruption to the educational environment of the school or a detriment to the best interest and welfare of the pupils and teacher of such class as a whole, and to delegate such authority to the appropriate officials of the school district.

Students of the PEC have the right to privacy and security against arbitrary invasion of their personal property by school officials. However, the board must maintain an atmosphere conducive to the pursuit of its educational goals, including a limited right to search students’ personal belongings when it is in the interest of the overall welfare of other students or is necessary to preserve good order and discipline of the school. All students are subject to searches upon entering the school building. Searches may be conducted with reasonable suspicion by not less than two members of the professional staff.  Any vehicle on any campus will be subject to search with reasonable suspicion. Any student who commits an unlawful act on school grounds, at a school-sponsored activity, or a school-related activity, is subject to having charges filed against him/her by the school district with proper law enforcement officials.

Parents, if you have an emergency and need to contact your child, please call the office and we will contact your student. Please do not try to contact him/her by cell phone. Students will be provided use of the office phone to call home for emergencies during school hours.

There is a NO cell phone and electronic device policy at PEC. The use of cell phones, smart watches and wireless earbuds/headphones is prohibited between the hours of 4-8:45 p.m. Outside of these times, students may not film other students, faculty, or staff on school grounds or at school activities or post/share videos or pictures of other students, faculty or staff without administrative approval. Cell phones are not allowed in the classrooms or the bathrooms. Cell phones must be checked in to the office when students enter the building and will remain for the entirety of the school night. ANY electronic device will be confiscated, and consequences will be as follows:

• First Offense: Student will receive a warning and assigned a dinner detention. The student may pick up the device at the end of the night.
• Second Offense: Student will receive a discipline referral. Parents will be required to pick up the device.
• Third Offense: Student will receive one day of OSS and is prohibited from bringing a phone to school for one week.

Any subsequent offenses will be subject to more severe consequences determined at the principal’s discretion. Any student caught using or in possession of an electronic device during State Testing will have their test invalidated, which means they fail the test and are subject to disciplinary action.

• All students attending the PEC are not to be on the campus prior to 3:50 p.m. without the permission of an alternative teacher or the principal.
• All students are to clear the campus immediately following the dismissal of school for the day.
• All AUTOMOBILE TRAFFIC is to load/unload at the back of the campus. For the safety of our students, the rear of the campus is off-limits.
• Parents must pick up their students on time.

All individuals who bring a vehicle to school must have a valid driver’s license, proof of insurance, and a completed registration form.

1. Students should drive safely and responsibly on school property. Speed limits are posted, and all state laws apply.
2. Any and all passengers must be in a seat inside the cabin of the vehicle. This prohibits students from riding in the back of trucks or trunks.
3. Upon arrival on campus, students will park their vehicles, exit and leave the parking lot immediately. Students must obtain permission from an administrator to access his/her vehicle during school hours and must be accompanied by an administrator or designee. When the student is dismissed and leaves the school building, the student will go directly to his/her vehicle and leave the school grounds at that time. Failure to abide by these rules shall result in loss of school parking privilege.
4. All students and school personnel must register their vehicle and have proof of insurance in order to park on the campus. Parking decals must be visible at all times and students must park in their assigned parking areas.
5. Students who park on campus without obtaining a parking decal may receive a fine of $10.00 for each violation.
6. Any vehicle on any campus will be subject to search. Parking privileges may be suspended by a school principal when contraband is located in a vehicle parked at PEC. Examples of contraband are drug paraphernalia, lighters, cigarettes, etc.
7. Vehicles inappropriately parked may be towed away at owner’s expense.
8. Students who violate the tardy policy to school may have the privilege of bringing their vehicles on campus suspended.
9. The parking lot will be monitored by PSD Police, school administrators and assigned school personnel. Any student in violation of the rules governing vehicles on campus will be subject to disciplinary measures according to district policy.
10. Abuse of the permit registration decal (i.e., loaning or selling of a permit to another student) will result in a suspension or loss of driving privileges.
11. Parking permits must be purchased for $ 20.00.
12. Parking privileges may be revoked by school administration or PSD Police.

The Board realizes that there may be conditions in the school system that need improvement and that students should have some means to effectively express their concerns which will be considered and handled with fairness.

Students’ complaints and grievances shall be resolved through orderly processes and at the lowest possible level. However, the Board shall provide channels for an eventual hearing, should circumstances dictate.

A detailed description of the process for handling complaints and grievances can be found in section JCEA of the School Board Policy Manual. Copies of this manual are located in the principal’s office and in the library.

School is not the place for public displays of affection. We expect students to behave as ladies and gentlemen at all times. Students that exhibit this behavior will face disciplinary action.

PEC is responsible for providing a safe, secure climate for all students. We will not tolerate threats, harassment, intimidation, or fighting on our campus. Any student, parent, or teacher who thinks there may be a problem should notify the principal immediately. Every effort is made to handle problems in a most reasonable fashion. Any student who participates in a fight or encourages fighting, regardless of who started it, will be subject to severe disciplinary action. Severe disciplinary action may include long term suspension from school, expulsion and/or legal charges being filed against the student.

All threats are taken seriously. "Just playing" is not an acceptable defense. Any student who makes a threat is subject to severe disciplinary action which may include expulsion, long-term suspension and/or legal charges being filed. PSD may require professional counseling before the student may return to school.

Sexual harassment is unwelcome behavior that makes a person feel uncomfortable or unsafe. Sexual harassment is illegal and will not be tolerated at PEC. Any student, parent or teacher who thinks there may be a problem should notify the principal immediately.

School administrators and teachers have the right to interview students regarding their conduct and/or the conduct of others. In regard to students’ alleged actions, except where the alleged action would constitute a criminal offense, the right against self-incrimination does not exist.

Counseling is provided each night. Students are divided into two small groups. All students are required to participate in one session per night. Counseling sessions may focus on a variety of topics including social/emotional support, behavior replacement, goal setting, decision making and college and career readiness. Lessons are implemented through use of Edgenuity, videos, worksheets, etc.

It is the aim of Petal Education Center to help each pupil profit as much as possible from his/her school program experiences. Your teachers and administrators are here to help you to obtain your goals. Your alternative school counselor will be available to assist you. Appointments with your counselor can be made by calling the counselors at Petal High School (601.583.3538), Petal Middle School (601.584.6301) or Petal Upper Elementary School (601.584.7660).

Counselors may help you:

1. Select and outline a program of study.
2. Identify abilities, interests, and special aptitudes by use of various sources of information.
3. Improve social and academic adjustments.
4. Provide information on career opportunities.
5. Maintain good attendance in school.
6. Make important personal decisions.
7. One-on-one counselee/counselor sessions as needed and at student’s request.
8. Group sessions with guest speakers.
9. Small group conflict/resolution counseling sessions as need merits.
10. Assessment of student needs for referrals with outside agencies.

Inquiry of possible additional counseling services and job find can be made through the PEC administrators by calling 601.584.4717 between the hours of 4-8:00 p.m.

*All guidance services are provided and coordinated by PEC who consults with the home school counselors.

Parent-teacher conferences are an essential part of the education process. Parents have the right to know how their child is doing and they should be given the opportunity to assist in improving their child’s achievement or behavior. Conferences should be scheduled during a teacher’s preparation period during the regular school day (4-8:45 p.m.) and can be arranged by calling PEC at 601.584.4717.

Please remember that the purpose of the parent-teacher conference is to solve problems and assist the student, not to create problems and hostilities.

When requesting a conference, the following procedures should be followed:

1. Parents should state the motive and purpose of the conference at the time the appointment is made. This will ensure that the teacher has appropriate information needed to answer parent concerns.
2. Parent-teacher conferences are confidential and should address the individual needs of the student.

The ultimate goal of the child nutrition program is to provide nutritious meals to all students daily at an economical price. Free and reduced price meal programs are provided for eligible students. The Family Free and Reduced Price Meal Application that requires only one form per family to be completed each year are utilized in the PSD. Additional information regarding these programs may be made at the Child Nutrition Office at 601.545.3020. Parents will have the opportunity to apply for Free and Reduced Meals upon enrolling their child in the PEC.

Meals will be served under the following conditions:

1. Students must opt in or out of meal services. Because meals are prepared at the end of the school day, any student that opts in will be charged dinner nightly whether or not he or she eats. Students who opt out must complete the enrollment process to sign up for meal services.
2. Students must clean up the area after meals.
3. If students are required to pay reduced or full price for meals, parents must ensure that their student has adequate funds in their account to cover meals.

Any issues regarding account balances or payments should be directed to Child Nutrition at 601.545.3020.

The teacher’s lounge is off-limits to students attending the PEC. Students who choose to bring dinner must bring food that does not require heat preparation or cold storage (i.e., sandwiches, chips, deli meat, cheese/crackers/veggies, fruit, etc.) Students are to use only the area assigned during dinner breaks for consumption of food and drink items.

• FIRE DRILL INSTRUCTIONS
  • When the alarm is heard, all students should walk briskly and orderly toward the designated places according to where they may be at the time of the alarm.
  • Each room should have one student assigned to close the windows in the room at the instant of the alarm. The teacher will be the last one out of the room and will direct the students out of the door and will close the door when leaving. Before leaving, the teacher will check to see that no one is left in the room.
• TORNADO OR SEVERE WEATHER ASSIGNMENTS

A severe weather alarm will be given. When this alarm is sounded all teachers and students should move immediately to their designated places according to where they may be at the time of the alarm.

Students in the halls will sit along the walls with heads on knees and hands on top of their heads.

Every attempt will be made to contact a parent/guardian or someone on the emergency call list in the event of early dismissal. In the event of early dismissal, media sources including the school district website (www.petalschools.com) will be notified. All parents are encouraged to listen to the radio or television in case of bad weather. All days missed will be made up in correlation with the adjusted calendar for the district.

Students are expected to present a clean, neat and well-groomed appearance at school. It is the responsibility of parents and guardians to see that their child is properly attired for school. The administration reserves the right to make the final decision concerning the appropriateness of clothing at school. Parents should be aware of potential drastic changes in weather and should see that their child is dressed accordingly.

MANDATORY DRESS CODE

Recognizing that first impressions are important, and that people are generally more at ease and function better when they are dressed appropriately, the following guidelines for dress have been established for Petal Education Center. The emphasis is upon cleanliness and neatness. Students will be restricted from attending classes if their attire is inappropriate. The school’s administration reserves the right to make any decision necessary for the best interest of the students and which will protect the image of the school and community. The principal may allow some modifications to the dress code on designated days. This dress code outlines the only acceptable form of attire approved to be worn by students in this district. Every component of the student attire should be appropriate in length and/or size. Appropriate is defined as that which properly covers the body, and which is in good taste.

If a student is sent to the office for a dress code violation, he/she will be assigned the appropriate discipline. Students may be placed in detention until a parent or designee can bring appropriate clothing.

Polo and Button-up Shirts

• Should be solid Petal red, white, black or gray
• All visible emblems, trademarks and/or logos must be white, red, gray or black.
• All shirts must have sleeves.
• Shirts must be buttoned high enough so that no cleavage can be seen.
• Shirts and tops must always touch the waist of pants/skirts (i.e., when in movement, when arms are extended or raised and when in seated position, etc.)

Petal Spirit T-Shirts

• Must be a Petal school logo/design with solid Petal red, white, black or gray.
• Designs and print must be white, Petal red, gray or black.
• Can be v-neck or crew neck.
• All shirts must have sleeves.
• Shirt collar must be high enough so that no cleavage can be seen.
• Shirts and tops must always touch the waist of pants/skirts/shorts (i.e., when in movement, when arms are extended or raised and when in seated position, etc.)

Pullovers, Sweatshirts, Hoodies, Sweaters, Rain Jackets and Lightweight Jackets 

• Must be Petal red, white, black or gray
• All visible emblems, trademarks, and/or logos must be white, black, red, navy or gray and be position neutral.

Pants

• Must be solid khaki (tan), navy, gray or black
• Must be worn securely around waist
• Pants should not be the same color as the top (i.e., black shirt should not be worn with black pants, etc.)
• No athletic, leggings, sweatpants or blue jeans/denim are allowed.

Shorts, Skirts, Skorts and Jumpers

• Must be solid khaki (tan), navy, gray or black
• They should not be the same color as the top (i.e., black shirt should not be worn with black pants, etc.)
• Length should be no shorter than students’ fingertips with arms fully extended by their sides for the full, bottom seam.
• Leggings, if worn underneath, must be solid white, black, navy or gray.
• No athletic shorts, skirts/skorts (i.e., tennis skirts/skorts), blue jeans/denim, wrap skirts or slits.

Winter Coats

• Coats must be removed when a student enters the building.
• No trench coat style

Shoes and Accessories

• Proper shoes must be always worn (i.e., no slippers, lights, wheels, sounds or other interactive features.)
• No head coverings wider than two inches, ex. hoods, bandanas, hats, caps, visors, do-rags or skull caps.
• No disruptive or distracting hair styles or accessories
• Piercings are limited to the ears
• No inappropriate tattoos (weapons, drugs, alcohol related, etc.)
• Accessories should be position neutral and should not pose a safety hazard.

In all instances, the appropriateness or inappropriateness of school dress will be determined by school administrators.

All buildings and whatever they contain in the way of equipment are provided at great expense by the taxpayers of the PSD. Pupils should pride themselves in doing everything possible to take care of school property and should encourage others to do so.

All paper and waste should be placed in the containers arranged for this purpose. Paper should not be thrown on the campus or floors. Any student causing damage to school property either intentionally or through neglect on his/her part will be liable for such damages.

All parents or other visitors to the school must report to the principal’s office and present a photo ID for clearance upon arrival at the school. All visitors should be escorted throughout the building by a resource officer, principal, counselor or teacher. Visitors will not be permitted to remain on the school campus unless authorized to do so by the principal.

All visitors who either do not have a pass or refuse to show a pass will be reported to the office immediately. This rule is not directed against parent(s)/guardian(s) who wish to visit if they so desire. Please see an administrator for a pass so that the teacher will admit you.

Friends and/or other students not enrolled in the PEC will not be allowed to visit.

1. The visitor must produce photo identification. This can be a state ID, driver's license, military ID, U.S. Passport card or Mexican consulate card. The visitor’s name and date of birth can also be entered into the system if there is no photo identification.
2. The identification will be scanned through the Raptor system.
3. School officials verifies scan results and the nature of the visit. If the result is negative the visitor will be allowed the appropriate access and receive a visitor badge that is printed with their picture. Their identification will be held until they return to the office to exit and assure they are properly checked out of the Raptor system.
4. If Positive Match for Sex Offender is confirmed, a silent alarm will be sent. The School Resource Officer and school administration will be alerted of a possible sex offender at the school. The school official conducting the visitor check will ask the visitor to have a seat until school administration speaks to them. If the visitor asks for his/her ID back and asks to leave, the schools will comply with this request.

Students must have a pass from a teacher in order to come to the office to use the telephone. Students are not to use any other phone in the school. Permission to make the call must be received from an adult in the office.

Phone calls to parents in case of illness or emergency will be made by the administrator or teacher. Personal phone calls will not be allowed. Only in the case of extreme emergencies will teachers or students be called out of class to answer the phone. Office personnel will take all messages and deliver them to teachers.

Books will be issued and numbered by the teacher of each course requiring the use of such textbooks. Students will be held responsible for the loss or damage to textbooks issued to them. The teacher of each course will determine the amount of fines or cost of replacement of such textbooks as determined by the State Textbook Commission. Students may be asked to buy workbooks or laboratory manuals for some courses.

Students who become ill or are injured at school will be given basic first aid as deemed appropriate. The parents/guardians of students who need off-campus medical attention will be notified immediately.

Parents/guardians are encouraged to administer medication to their children at home if possible. However, the school will cooperate should medication have to be administered at school.

STUDENT HEALTH SERVICE-MEDICATION-JGCD (PMS)

1. Administration of medication is foremost the responsibility of the parent/guardian. All medications that can be given outside of school hours without serious effects must be given before or after school.
2. The FIRST dose of any medication must be given at home in case there is an allergic reaction.
3. School personnel/nurses are not responsible for giving missed or late home doses of medication.
4. All medication that the student is receiving in the school setting will be recorded on the student’s medication record.
5. Prescription and nonprescription medication will be administered only if:
   1. The appropriate school medication administration form is completed including doctor’s signature, parent/guardian signature, child’s name, name of medication, amount of medication needed, route of administration and time of administration.
   2. Any prescription medication that is ordered only once or twice daily must be given at home and will not be administered at school unless the school receives a letter from the physician explaining why the medication must be given at school instead of home.
   3. Prescription medication must be in the pharmacy container with a label that includes the student’s name, physician name, name of medication, strength, dosage, time interval and route.
   4. Over-the-Counter medications (Tylenol, Advil, cough drops, etc.) must be clearly legible. All over-the-counter medications must be supplied by the parent/guardian. The school WILL NOT supply any medications. PLEASE NOTE: All medications to be given at school will now require a physician’s signature on the school form: NO EXCEPTIONS!
   5. The information on the medication form and on the medication, bottle must be the same.
6. Medication will NOT be accepted in household containers, envelopes or bags.
7. Medication will not be given from a teacher’s own personal supply.
8. A new medication form must be completed and signed for each medication or change of medication order. A new form with the doctor’s orders and signature must be signed at the beginning of each school year even if the medication is continued from one year to the next.
9. Grades K-12 students’ medications, both prescription and nonprescription, must be brought to school by an adult and given to the school nurse, not a secretary.
10. Medications cannot be transported on the school bus.
11. No Petal School District employee/agent of the school will be responsible for administering any medication on field trips or school-sponsored events.
12. The proper disposal of unused medications is important, and it is the responsibility of the parent to obtain all unused medication from the school when it is discontinued, the school year ends or the student transfers to another district. All medication left in the school under these conditions will be disposed of by the school nurse or delegate.
13. Students may keep diabetic medications with them at all times if given permission from the parent/guardian, physician, school nurse and the school receive all appropriate forms from the parent and physician.
14. Students may keep their asthma inhalers with them at all times; however, the parent/guardian must meet the following requirements:
    1. Provide written authorization for self-administration to the school.
    2. Provide a written statement from the student’s health care provider that the student has asthma and has been instructed in self-administration of asthma medications. The statement should also contain:
       1. the name and purpose of the medication;
       2. the prescribed dosage;
       3. the time or times the medications are to be regularly administered and under what special circumstances the medications are to be administered;
       4. the length of time for which the medications are prescribed.

Petal School District and its employees and agents shall incur no liability as a result of any injury sustained by the student from the self-administration of asthma medications. Upon fulfilling the requirements of this section, a student with asthma may possess and use asthma medications when at school, at a school-sponsored activity, under the supervision of school personnel, or before and after normal school activities while on school properties including school-sponsored childcare or after-school programs. All medicines, vitamins, or drugs (including cough drops and aspirin) which are authorized by parents/guardians and /or medical doctors that are to be taken by students are to be turned into the office with written directions for use. A written request for the use of cough drops is to be sent to the administration if cough drops are to be used in the classroom.

Restrooms should be kept as clean as possible. Students are to use the restrooms for the purpose for which they were built. Students are not to loiter in the restrooms. Students may use the restrooms during designated break times and must be escorted by a principal, counselor or designee. If a special problem exists, even temporarily, contact the office, or in an emergency, send a note. Special permission can be arranged.

Lost books and equipment will be stored in the office in what is known as “Lost and Found.” At the end of each nine weeks period unclaimed books and articles will be discarded. The school cannot guarantee the safe return of articles found. Such return is often governed by the time which elapses before claims are made and/or the honesty of the claimants.