Natchez-Adams School District
Student Handbook
and
Code of Student Conduct
2015-2016
Arts Academy of Morgantown Middle School
College Prep Academy of Morgantown Middle School
Leadership Academy of Morgantown Middle School
Robert Lewis Magnet School
The Freshman Academy
Natchez High School
Natchez Early College Academy
Fallin Career and Technology Center
Frederick O. Hill, Ph. D., Superintendent
Table of Contents
Introduction
Foreword.................................................................... 2
Non-Discrimination Policy ........................................ 3
No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 .............................. 3
Administration ........................................................... 4
General Information
Accreditation ............................................................. 6
Admission .................................................................. 6
Enrollment Information ............................... 6
Registration/Residency ................................ 6
Forms........................................................... 7
Address/Telephone ...................................... 8
Immunization Requirements ....................... 8
Enrollment ................................................... 8
Transfer Students......................................... 8
English Language Learners ......................... 9
Enrollment of Expelled Students ............................... 9
Migrant Students........................................................ 9
Part-time Enrollment ................................... 9
Modified Schedules for Seniors ................ 10
Alternative Programs ............................................... 10
Arrival, Dismissal, and Vacating Campus ............... 10
Attendance, Tardiness, Absences, Truancy ............. 11
Check In/Out Procedures ......................................... 13
Absences .................................................................. 13
College Recruitment ................................................ 14
Tardiness.................................................................. 14
Make-Up Work ........................................................ 15
Bullying ................................................................... 15
Care of School Property .......................................... 16
Conferences and Communication ............................ 16
Dress Code/Grooming ............................................. 17
Electronic Devices ................................................... 18
Extra-Curricular Activities ...................................... 19
Drug Abuse Policy (NASD) .................................... 20
Mississippi High School Activities Association ...... 20
Academic Rules for Grades 6th - 12th ....................... 21
Family Rights and Privacy Act ................................ 23
Field Trips and Excursions ...................................... 24
Fraternity, Sorority, Secret Society.......................... 24
Fund Raisers/Solicitation ......................................... 24
Grievance Procedure................................................ 24
Harassment .............................................................. 25
Health and Safety of Students .................................. 25
Administering Medicine .......................................... 25
Asbestos Containing Material .................................. 26
Cafeteria/Child Nutrition Program .......................... 27
Contagious/Communicable Diseases ....................... 27
Drug Abuse Policy................................................... 27
Emergency Contacts ................................................ 27
Emergency Drills ..................................................... 28
Homebound Services ............................................... 28
Immunizations ......................................................... 28
Insurance ................................................................. 28
Pregnant Students .................................................... 28
Searches ...................................................................................... 29
School Safety/Emergence Plan ................................................... 29
Library/Media Center .................................................................. 30
Wellness Policy ........................................................................... 29
Library/Media Center .................................................................. 30
Lost and Found Articles .............................................................. 30
Restricted Areas .......................................................................... 31
Special Education ........................................................................ 31
Section 504, ADA, SOAR........................................................... 31
Student Vehicles/Transportation ................................................. 32
Visitors ........................................................................................ 33
Withdrawal from School ............................................................. 33
Academic Information
College (IHL) Requirements ....................................................... 34
Correspondence Courses ............................................................. 35
Fees and Fines ............................................................................. 35
Grading Policy & Procedures ...................................................... 38
Reteach/Retest Procedure ........................................................... 37
Graduation Requirements ........................................................... 39
Graduation/Commencement Ceremony .................................... 39
Guidance Services ....................................................................... 43
Homebound Instructional Program ............................................. 43
Honors ......................................................................................... 42
Promotion/Retention (6-12) ........................................................ 46
Report Cards ............................................................................... 46
Statewide Testing Requirements ................................................. 47
Textbooks .................................................................................... 49
Transcript Requests ..................................................................... 49
Code of Student Conduct
Introduction ................................................................................. 52
Assertive Discipline Program...................................................... 52
Transportation ............................................................................. 54
Appendix
Changes in State Law .................................................................. 61
Glossary of Terms ....................................................................... 56
Mississippi Code of 1972, Selected Sections .............................. 78
Notification of Rights under FERPA .......................................... 78
References to State Law .............................................................. 79
Natchez-Adams School District
Natchez, Mississippi 39120
Approved by the Board: July 9, 2015
1
Student Handbook and Code of Student Conduct
2014-2015
Introduction
The Student Handbook and Code of Student Conduct is designed to inform students and parents of policies approved
by the Board of Trustees for the Natchez-Adams School District and of the administrative regulations developed to
implement the board’s policies.
It should be realized that when an attempt is made to formalize policies of this nature, there is always the
possibility of inadvertently omitting some regulations and that additions and deletions are continuously being made.
Therefore, the school district’s administration has authority to make adjustments in administrative regulations as
deemed necessary. Updates and changes are in bold type.
Parents are encouraged to keep the handbook for reference and to discuss the rules and regulations with their
child(ren). Parents are also urged to telephone the school or make an appointment to discuss pertinent issues with
teachers, counselors, or the school principal.
To all new students, we say "Welcome" and hope that you will soon become an integral part of the total school
program. To all former students, we are glad that you are back for another school year. Please set the example as a
good citizen – by your actions and consideration of others – to all students who have enrolled in our school district
for the first time.
State law requires that the school provide documentation that the student and parents received a copy of the
handbook and are aware of its contents. Parents and students are required to sign and return the acknowledgment
statement to the school. The signed statement will remain on file for future reference.
The Natchez-Adams School District adheres to a policy of nondiscrimination in educational programs/activities
and employment, and strives affirmatively to provide equal opportunity for students and staff. Specifically, the
district provides employment and educational opportunity without discrimination and without regard to sex/gender,
race/ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, or any other legally protected status.
Title IX
Patsy Ann Smith
Human Resources Manager
10 Homochitto Street
Natchez, MS 39120
601-442-2105
504/Americans with Disability
Act(ADA)
10 Homochitto Street
Natchez, MS 39120
601-445-4973
2
Hate Crimes
Robert Laird
Director of Safe Schools
359 Northwest Street
Jackson, MS 39205
601-359-1028
POLICY ON NON-DISCRIMINATION
The Natchez-Adams School District (NASD), Natchez, Mississippi, adheres to a policy of nondiscrimination on the
basis of race/ethnic group, sex/gender, national origin, creed, religion, age, or disability in educational
programs/activities and employment, and strives affirmatively to provide equal opportunity for students and staff.
The following federal legislation is referenced:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
TITLE VI and TITLE VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, which prohibits discrimination on the
basis of race, color, religion, or national origin.
Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, as amended, which provides specific regulations regarding a safe
working and learning environment.
TITLE IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, as amended, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of
gender.
§504 of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (PL 93-112), as amended, which prohibits discrimination
against the handicapped.
Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, as amended, which provides protection regarding student
records and release of information from said records.
The Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 6101, which prohibits discrimination on the basis
of age in any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.
The Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1988 which provides that four federal civil rights statutes (§504 of the
Rehabilitation Act, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964) apply to an entire institution if any part of it receives federal financial
assistance.
PL108-466 -- Individuals with Disabilities Educational Improvement Act of 1997, signed into law on
12/3/2004, which provides regulations for screening, placement, and services to handicapped students.
PL101-645 -- McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Amendments of 1990, as amended.
§35.130 of the American with Disabilities Act of 1990, built upon the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the
Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which provides "a clear and comprehensive national mandate for the
elimination of discrimination against individuals with disabilities."
Boy Scouts of America Equal Access Act of 2001, 20 U.S.C. 7905 (§9525 of NCLB, PL 107-110), which
requires equal access for the Boys Scouts of America and other designated youth groups to meet at public
schools.
No Child Left Behind Act of 2001
According to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, also known as No Child Left Behind Act of 2001,
local education agencies must report the following information:
Qualifications - At the beginning of each school year, districts that receive federal funds shall notify parents of each
student attending, that upon request, the district will provide, in a timely manner, information regarding the
professional qualifications of the student’s classroom teachers. The school district is hereby informing parents that:
•
All teachers have met qualifications and licensing criteria by the Mississippi Department of Education for the
grade level and subject areas in which instruction is provided.
•
Each teacher holds a baccalaureate degree major, or higher, with a major in the discipline (subject area or
grade-level) of the certification or degree. Elementary endorsed teachers at the junior high/middle school level
have attended workshops to become highly qualified in the specific discipline to which they have been
assigned.
•
All paraprofessionals (teacher assistants) either have a two-year college degree or have successfully completed
the mandated tests to become highly qualified.
•
Timely notice will be given to the parent’s child who has, for four or more consecutive weeks, been taught by
a substitute teacher, who is not highly qualified.
•
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974, as amended by NCLB is followed.
3
Board of Trustees
Attorney Tim Blalock, President
Benny Wright, DDS, Vice-President
Thelma Newsome, Secretary
Cynthia Smith, Member
Amos James, Jr., Member
Administration
Frederick Hill, Ph.D., Superintendent
Tanisha W. Smith, Ph.D., Deputy Superintendent
Aquetta Butler, Accountability & Assessment Coordinator
Patsy Ann Smith, Human Resource Manager
Ray Brown, Supervisor of School Safety
Dr. Delarious Stewart, Curriculum & Instruction Supervisor
Monica Anderson, Manager of Business and Finance
Shantoura Spears, Supervisor of Child Nutrition
Yamika Thomas, Federal Programs Supervisor
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Schools
Frazier Elementary School (Grades
K-5)
1445 George F. West Sr. Boulevard
Natchez, MS 39120
601-445-2885
Cynthia Lamkin, Principal
LaToya Hammett, Assistant Principal
Arts Academy of Morgantown
Middle School (Grades 6-8)
101 Cottage Home Drive
Natchez, MS 39120
601-445-2917
Tawanna Thornton, Principal
Elementary Schools
McLaurin Elementary School
(Grades PK-5)
170 Seargent Prentiss Drive
Natchez, MS 39120
601-445-2953
Margie Clark, Principal
Michael Brown, Assistant
Principal
Elizabeth Koehler, Assistant
Principal
Middle Schools
College Prep of Morgantown
Middle School
(Grades 6-8)
101 Cottage Home Drive
Natchez, MS 39120
Orisha Mims, Principal
West Elementary School (Grades
K - 5)
161 Lewis Drive
Natchez, MS 39120
601-445-2891
Allison Jowers, Principal
LaTanya Davis, Assistant
Principal
Leadership Academy of
Morgantown Middle School
(Grades 6-8)
101 Cottage Home Drive
Natchez, MS 39120
601-445-2917
Kimberly Langston, Principal
Lewis Magnet School--STEM
(Grades 6-8)
1221 Martin Luther King Road
Natchez, MS 39120
601-445- 2927
Zandra McDonald, Principal
Evon Clark, Assistant Principal
The Freshman Academy
(Grade 9)
208 Lynda Lee Drive
Natchez, MS 39120
601-445-2941
Tracey Myers, Principal
Larry Hooper, Assistant Principal
Natchez High School (Grades 1012)
319 Seargent Prentiss Drive
Natchez, MS 39120
601-445-2863
Ernest Fields, Principal
Teresa Dixon, Assistant Principal
Jacob Pryor, Assistant Principal
Early College Academy
319 Seargent Prentiss Drive
Natchez, MS 39120
601-445-2881
Kesha Broady-Campbell, Principal
Alternative School (Grades 6-12)
Robert Lewis Magnet School-Annex
1221 Martin Luther King, Jr. Road
Natchez, MS 39120
601-445-2941
5
Fallin Career & Technology
Center
315 Seargent Prentiss Drive
Natchez, MS 39120
601-445-2902
Daisy West, Vocational Director
GENERAL INFORMATION
Accreditation
All schools in the Natchez-Adams School District are accredited by the Mississippi Commission on School
Accreditation and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Admission to School
The Natchez-Adams School District admits/enrolls all eligible residents and legally transferred students who, as
defined by state law, are school-age. (Refer to NASD Policy JBC)
Enrollment Information/Transferring Students
1.
2.
3.
4.
All students will comply with State laws, Mississippi Department of Education policies and regulations,
and local school board policies and regulations, including, but not limited to: (Refer to NASD Policy JBB)
$ Age 6 on or before September 1 (1st Grade)
$ Certified birth certificate
$ Social Security Number (card)
$ Valid immunization certificate of compliance (Form 121)
$ Verification of residency or transfer approved by the Board of Education
$ Guardianship papers (if living with someone other than natural parent(s).
A student moving into the school district from another school system will be assigned to a school
on the basis of the parent's or legal guardian's residence. Admission will be conditional upon
receipt of proper records from the previous school system and proof of residency requirements.
Students suspended or expelled from another school or school district will not be eligible for
enrollment in this district until the expulsion has been served.
A student seeking to transfer from a non-accredited school (public, non-public, or home-school program)
must demonstrate mastery of state-mandated skills by successfully completing the district=s validation tests
before grade-level placement can be determined or Carnegie Units credit earned can be awarded.
If a senior-classified student, who has been enrolled in the district for at least one year, transfers during the
senior year and is unable to meet the receiving school's minimum units credit required for graduation, the
school district shall award the diploma of graduation upon receipt of a transcript from the receiving school
showing completion of the local school district's requirements for graduation, completion of the state's
required examination(s), and verification that the student did not receive a diploma from the transfer
school.
Each minor child seeking enrollment in this school district must be a legal resident of the school district,
except for those students who have been legally transferred. When a school-age minor child is determined
to be homeless as defined by the McKinney-Vento Act, the school district shall take enrollment action that
is in the best interest of the child.
Registration/Residency Verification
6
The Mississippi State Board of Education requires a Verification of Residence for each student enrolled in a public
school. Students approved on a District-to-District transfer from another school district are exempt from the
residency process. Any legal guardianship formed for the purpose of establishing residency for school district
attendance purposes shall not be recognized by the school board. After the initial enrollment, parents of continuing
students whose residency has not changed shall sign a Declaration of Residency form. (Refer to NASD Policy JBC)
In accordance with the requirements of the Mississippi State Board of Education’s Verification of Residency
procedure, each parent/legal guardian, or other adult with whom a student lives, must provide two proofs of
residency. Definition of Residency for School Residency Purposes: The place or abode where a student physically
resides full-time, weekdays/nights and weekends within the limits of this school district. The documents provided
must include two of the following:
1.
2.
3.
(A) Filed Homestead Exemption Application Form
(B) Mortgage Documents or Property Deed
(C) Apartment or Home Lease
(D) Utility Bill (1)
(E) Driver’s License
(F) Voter Precinct Identification
(G) Automobile Registration
(H) Affidavit of Residency
(I) Personal knowledge of/visit by a designated school official.
If the adult is the legal guardian of the student, a copy of the court appointing the adult as guardian
must be provided. If a petition for guardianship has been filed and the decree is pending, a
certified copy of the filed petition for guardianship must be submitted within 15 days of
enrollment. The student is Atemporarily enrolled@ until the petition has been provided to the
school.
Students living with adults other than parents or legal guardians, in loco parentis, must provide:
(A) Two of the eight items of verification (A-I) as stated above and
(B) A sworn affidavit stating the relationship of the adult to the student, whether the student is
living in the affiant=s home full-time, and the reasons (other than school district preference) for
this arrangement. Authority will be recognized to establish residency of the minor in situations
that include, but not limited to, the following:
(1) Death or serious illness of parent/legal guardian.
(2) Abandonment of the student.
(3) Child abuse or neglect.
(4) Unstable family relationship or conditions in home of the parent/legal guardian
having a detrimental effect of the student.
(5) Student enrolled in a recognized exchange program residing with a host family.
Legal Reference: '37-15-31 Mississippi Code.
Forms
Parents are required to sign one form indicating that they (1) received a copy of the handbook; (2) understand their
obligations regarding the issuance of student-issued textbooks, instructional material, and musical or athletic
material/equipment; (3) received guidelines regarding administering medicine; (4) understand disclosure of directory
information and the photographing of students; and (5) received a copy of guidelines for using computer technology
and the Internet. In addition, forms which must be signed and returned include the (1) Declaration of Legal
Residency, (2) free/reduced meal application, (3) administering medicine to students (when applicable), and (4)
parental medical release form (to provide emergency medical services/treatment).
These forms must be completed and returned to the school as scheduled by the principal:
1.
2.
Declaration of Legal Residency (required of all enrolling students).
Administering Medicine to Students. This form is available in the principal's office. Medication
will not be administered unless this form has been completed by the appropriate parties and is on
7
3.
file in the principal=s office. A new form must be completed each time a new prescription is filled
and/or when a parent sends nonprescription medication with a request to administer it during the
school day.
Student health forms: Student Health History Form and Parental Release Medical Form, the latter
which authorizes the school to provide medical care and treatment in an emergency situation.
Address/Telephone Number
It is the student/parent’s responsibility to report change of address or telephone number to the attendance clerk’s
office. Any changes in address or telephone number should be submitted in writing. The note can be mailed to the
school or brought to the principal’s office. Proof of residency shall be required when the address changes.
Immunization Requirements for Admission
It is unlawful for any child to attend school without first being vaccinated with at least one dose of diphtheria,
whooping cough, tetanus, red measles, rubella, and polio vaccine and completing the entire series within ninety (90)
days of enrollment. Every student in Kindergarten through Grade 12 must present a certificate of immunization
compliance from his/her physician or from the health department. If the immunization form has not been submitted
at the end of ninety (90) days, the student, by law, must be suspended until compliance is achieved (suspension will
begin immediately after the 90-day period).
In order to secure this certificate of compliance, it will be necessary for the student to go to the Adams County
Health Department or family physician, taking with him/her all official shot records. Before a child can register, the
CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE must be presented. The validation of this certificate will become a permanent
part of the student's records and will be valid through grade 12.
Beginning 2012-2013 school year all students entering, advancing, or transferring to 7th grade will need proof
of an adolescent whopping cough (pertussis) booster, Tdap immunization, before entry into school in the fall.
Tdap vaccine given on or after the 7th birthday meets the new school requirement.
Immunizations
MDH’s Immunization Registry program records immunizations received by individuals from public clinics and
participating private doctors. Records for many adults and most children are available for parents and qualified
professionals. For more information on immunizations, the public can call the Mississippi Department of Health at
1-866-HLTHY4U (1-866-458-4948) or visit www.HealthyMS.com.
Enrollment
Students who were residents of the school district and who were enrolled during the previous school year are
automatically enrolled, provided, of course, they did not graduate, and must be in attendance on the announced
starting date of school. The absentee policy will be applied to those students previously enrolled and have not
attended school. Students will be reported to the attendance officer according to state law unless a proper withdrawal
has been made by the parent/legal guardian of the student.
Transfer Students
Students not previously enrolled in the school district are not being considered permanently enrolled until proper
records have been received from the previous school district and all other admission requirements have been
submitted and verified. Documents which must be provided include:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Receipt of an official transcript/cumulative record from the previous attended school.
Receipt of a withdrawal form (if the enrollment occurs during the school year.)
Proof of residence in the school district.
Completion of the student information profile/emergency card.
Presentation of a valid certificate of compliance for immunizations.
Presentation of a copy of the birth certificate and social security number.
8
Parents/legal guardians are required to accompany a student enrolling in the district for the first time. Any
guardianship formed for the purpose of establishing residency for school district attendance purposes shall not be
recognized.
If the last school attended is not appropriately accredited, the student seeking enrollment shall be required to take
test(s) to determine the grade/class assignment and validate high school credit. [§37-15-33 Mississippi Code 1972]
(Refer to NASD Policy JBAB)
ELL (English Language Learners)
Students identified as ELL (English Language Learners) as defined by P. L. 107-110 shall receive English Language
tutoring services as required under section 1112 (G) and 3302 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act and
school board policy. Service for students is determined individually based on the Home Language Survey,
completed at the time of student’s enrollment, and the research-based English Language Proficiency Test, as
mandated by the Mississippi Department of Education. For assistance, contact the Federal Programs Director.
Enrollment of Expelled Students
Parents/guardians or students must indicate on the registration information if the student requesting enrollment has
been expelled or is currently a party to an expulsion proceedings from a private, parochial, or public school. State
law and accreditation standards stipulate that a student cannot be accepted for enrollment if s/he has been expelled
(or no longer eligible to attend) or is a party to an expulsion proceeding. Students enrolling in school from a
reformatory school/facility shall be assigned, initially, to the alternative school.
Migrant Students
When a student has been determined to be migrant as set forth under Title I, Part C, Public Law 103-382 of the
Elementary and Secondary Education Act, enrollment action that is in the best interest of the student shall be taken,
pursuant to federal guidelines and board policy.
Part-time Enrollment
•
•
•
•
•
A part-time student is defined as a student who is enrolled in either a private, parochial, or home
school program (i.e., major school of registration or "home" school) who wants to enroll in the public
school district to take classes that are not available in the "home" school. Any part-time student who
wants to enroll in a specific academic course/subject shall be permitted to enroll on a class-by-class
basis based on space availability, provided prerequisites for the course have been satisfied.
The part-time student shall …
1.
Be subject to and comply with all policies and regulations of the school and school district,
including the Code of Student Conduct.
2.
Be responsible for transportation to and from school.
3.
Be responsible for arranging the yearly and daily schedule in order to attend the selected
class(es) as provided in the master schedule of classes at the public school.
4.
Be responsible for meeting all class/course requirements.
A disciplinary infraction which results in suspension or expulsion from the "home" school shall receive
reciprocal enforcement.
Enrollment in a vocational program shall meet the requirements of the Carl Perkins Vocational Act.
Part-time enrollment on a period-by-period basis shall not be construed to mean that the student is
eligible to receive a diploma of graduation from the public school district. A part-time student will
not be permitted to participate in any extracurricular activities governed by the Mississippi High
School Activities Association. Part-time students are not eligible for special recognition or awards.
McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act
The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act requires each school district to designate an appropriate staff person
as the district’s homeless liaison. The homeless liaison’s responsibilities are to help identify, enroll, and ensure that
homeless students receive the same educational support services that non-homeless students receive.
9
The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act defines unaccompanied youth as “youth not in the physical custody
of a parent or guardian.” The McKinney-Vento Act requires school districts to immediately enroll unaccompanied
students and provide them the same opportunity to participate in all educational programs that non-homeless
students have.
A youth under 21 years of age is considered a minor. The District’s homeless liaisons or other school staff need to
keep the above mandatory reporting requirement in mind before discussing shelter arrangements with homeless
students. However, mandatory school attendance requires that a student be enrolled in an educational programpublic, non-public, or home schooling-until s/he has reached the age of 17. (Refer to NASD Policy JFABD)
Modified Schedules for Seniors
•
•
All seniors will take at least six classes unless enrolled in the Career Pathway Experience class.
Students who are released after sixth period must leave the school campus at the end of sixth period.
Upon failure to adhere to these guidelines after the second time (2 nd) of warning, the student will be
given a full schedule.
Alternative Programs
Alternative Education Programs are designed to meet the needs of students who have failed to benefit from behavior
management programs utilized in the regular school setting. The school district provides an alternative school
setting for students who experience difficulty with social adjustment in the regular school program. Students
assigned to In-School Suspension (ISS) because of disciplinary infractions will serve their time at the alternative
school. Students who are suspended or expelled from school, based on the nature, severity, and classification of the
infraction, may be assigned to an alternative school program (§37-13-92 Mississippi Code.) Decisions concerning a
re-entry into the regular school program are made on an individual basis, but students are required to remain at
Central Alternative School, a minimum of 45 days. (Refer to NASD Policy JCD)
Arrival, Dismissal, and Vacating School Campus
Arrival to school after the first period begins (being tardy) shall subject the student to the procedure governing
tardiness. Leaving school prior to dismissal (last period in the school day) shall be considered the same as an unexcused absence for that period after the third occurrence and shall be subject to the procedure governing the
attendance policy.
The school is not responsible for students who do not vacate the campus after thirty (30) minutes of dismissal. Child
neglect (abandonment) charges may be filed against parents who leave children beyond the times specified. In
addition, parents who leave students at school beyond the specified times will be assessed a fee for child care.
Repeated incidents will result in a report being filed with Mississippi Department of Human Services. Students who
do not ride a bus must leave the campus no later than 30 minutes after dismissal on regular, 60%, and early dismissal
days.
Parents/guardians are expected to abide by the following schedule, which indicates arrival and dismissal times, as
well as the times that students are expected to vacate each campus.
10
School Daily Schedule
Drop-off
Regular School Day
60% Day (Last Day of Semester)
Do not
drop off
before
Start
End
Vacate
Start
End
Vacate
Elementary
7: 00
8:00
2:45
3:15
8:00
12:00
12:30
Magnet School
7:30
8:00
3:00
3:30
8:00
12:00
12:30
Middle School
Academies
7:30
8:15
3:15
3:45
8:15
12:15
12:45
The Freshman
Academy
7:30
8:15
3:15
3:30
8:20
1:00
1:15
Central Academy
(Alternative)
7:30
8:00
3:00
3:30
8:00
12:00
12:30
Natchez High
School
7:45
8:00
3:40
4:10
8:00
12:45
1:15
Early College
School Attendance, Tardiness, Absences, Truancy and Make-Up Work
Attendance
The most common reason given for failure to achieve acceptable performance is lack of understanding of the subject
material taught during absences. Absences, for whatever reason (excused or unexcused), seem to be closely related
to the quality of student performance. Many students do not make this association until they are hopelessly behind in
their work and face the possibility of failure. By then it is usually too late to successfully meet the course
requirements necessary to pass the course. The scenario that follows is that the student or parent wants to know if
s/he can “do some extra work to pass.”
Absences from school result in loss of “time on task,” and each student’s absence lowers the average daily
attendance, resulting in a loss of state funding. Tardiness, absences, dismissals, and suspensions are all problems,
which require action by school officials because each of these results in a loss of time on task.
The school district supports the philosophy that the instructional program is the vital part of formal education.
Experience has shown that a high quality of work is virtually impossible with irregular attendance. Thus, students
are expected to attend school at all times when school is in session.
The school district, recognizing that regular attendance is important if students are to attain maximum benefit from
the educational process and develop good work habits that carry over into their adult life, shall implement
procedures for monitoring and recording student attendance as specified in the Mississippi Compulsory Attendance
Law, §37-13-91 Mississippi Code. Further, the school district shall implement programs designed to keep students
in school and to lower student dropout rates (§37-3-46(c) Mississippi Code).
"Compulsory-school-age child" means a 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 attained the age of seventeen (17) years on or before September 1
of the calendar year; and shall include any child who has attained or will attain the age of five (5) years on or before
11
September 1 and has enrolled in a full-day public school kindergarten program. Provided, however, that the parent
or guardian of any child enrolled in a full-day public school kindergarten program shall be allowed to disenroll the
child from the program on a one-time basis, and such child shall not be deemed a compulsory-school-age child until
the child attains the age of six (6) years.
A student who voluntarily attends or enrolls after his/her seventeenth birthday (before September 1 of the calendar
year) is required to attend school each day. However, if a student, who is seventeen (17) years of age or older on or
before September 1 of the calendar year, has more than ten (10) unexcused absences in a semester, the school may
revoke the student’s enrollment.
Students must have on file in the principal’s office, current and valid personal data and emergency contact
information. False information provided for parent contacts will result in disciplinary action.
The Board of Education of the Natchez-Adams School District, in compliance with the Mississippi Compulsory
Attendance Law, classifies all absences as unexcused except for the following reasons: (1) illness or injury which
prevents the student from being physically able to attend school; (2) isolation ordered by county health officials or
the State Board of Health; (3) death or serious illness of a member of the immediate family (defined as parent,
grandparent, brother, sister, including stepbrother/sister, child, or spouse); (4) medical or dental appointment, which
is approved by the administration prior to the absence, except in cases of an emergency; (5) required appearance in
court or an administrative tribunal; (6) observance of a religious event (absence must be approved by the
administration prior to the student being absent); (7) field trip or other valid educational opportunity sponsored by
the school, including participation in events sponsored through the Mississippi High School Activities Association;
(8) a limit of two days per semester, approved in advance by the principal, for visits to college campuses by a senior
classified student, provided the student submits documentation of the visit; and, (9) valid educational opportunity
approved by the Superintendent of Education, or designee, prior to the absence.
If a compulsory-school-age child has not been enrolled in a school within fifteen (15) calendar days after the first
day of the school year of which such child is eligible to attend or if a compulsory-school-age child has accumulated
five (5) unexcused absences during the school year, the principal or superintendent will report such absences to the
school attendance officer. Parents of a compulsory-school-age child who has not been enrolled in school within
eighteen (18) calendar days after the first day of the school year of the public school which such child is eligible to
attend or parents of a compulsory school-age child who has accumulated twelve (12) unexcused absences during the
school year are subject to prosecution under the Mississippi Compulsory School Attendance Law. School attendance
is considered an important responsibility of the student and parents. Parents are requested to contact the school on
each day the student is absent from classes. In cases of unreported absences, the school personnel will attempt to
contact the parent.
No absence will be excused when it is due to a suspension, expulsion, or other disciplinary action (§37-13-91(4)
Mississippi Code). However, to avoid implementing an administrative rule that will insure a student’s failure, the
district, in compliance with rulings from the Mississippi Supreme Court, will permit the suspended student, who is
not immediately placed in an alternative school program, to make up work within specified deadlines. It shall be the
responsibility of the student to discuss options available with the principal and teachers. (See Make-Up Work.)
Attendance Incentive and Awards Program
In an effort to promote and reward regular attendance, each school will establish an incentive awards program. Some
activities for such are:
•
•
•
•
•
Conducting school-wide orientation assemblies at the beginning of the school year to review the
attendance policy and promote the idea that good attendance is essential if students are to gain the
maximum benefit of the educational program.
Developing school-wide incentive programs to improve attendance.
Developing and utilizing positive rewards for students with exceptional records during any one grading
period and/or for the semester or school year.
Sending quarterly commendation letters to students and parents for improved attendance.
Issuing certificates for good attendance.
12
Check-In/Check-Out Procedures
•
•
Check-In – Students arriving on campus after the tardy bell must report to the attendance clerk.
Students who are tardy will not be permitted to check-in without the presence of a parent or legal
guardian.
Check-Out – If it becomes necessary for a student to leave school before the end of the regular school
day, the student must report to the attendance clerk who will contact the parent/legal guardian by
telephone. The student, in the presence of the office personnel, will be signed out by the parent/legal
guardian, or designee who has been specified on the student registration form. No check out before
9:00 a.m. or after 2:45 p.m.; ID is required for check out.
No student will be permitted to check-in/out of school simply on the basis of a telephone call as the school is unable
to verify the person with whom it is speaking. Parents/legal guardians must come to the school to check a student
in/out of school. Students may not be checked in/out of school by anyone other than parents, legal guardians, or
other authorized persons listed on the student’s registration form (maximum of three individuals).
Absences
State law – §37-13-91(4) Mississippi Code – states that “an unlawful absence is an absence during the school day by
a compulsory-school-age child, whose absence is not due to a valid excuse for temporary nonattendance.” Days
missed from school due to disciplinary suspension shall not be considered as “excused” absence under this section.
This subsection shall not apply to children enrolled in a nonpublic school.
Students absent from school for 20 consecutive days will be dropped from the school roll. (See limits on the
previous page placed on students who are 17 years of age or older before September 1 of the current school year.)
Students absent from school 10 days for a semester course or 20 days for a year-long course will receive an
“F”.
Parents will be notified of the fifth (5 th) absence for a semester course and on the tenth (10 th) absence for a yearly
course. To be counted present, a student must be present for at least half the class period.
A student who is absent from school should not come on any school campus. No student, if absent from school that
day, unless previously approved by the principal, will be permitted to take part in any school-sponsored
extracurricular practice, rehearsal, program, or event. A student under suspension and I.S.S. is not permitted to take
part in any school-sponsored extracurricular activity.
Important Note: HB 1530 shall take effect and be in force from after July 1, 2013: Any
compulsory–school age child who is absent more than 37% (2 ½ hours) of the instructional day
must be considered absent the entire day.
Steps to follow when absent from school:
Upon returning to school, the student has three (3) days to present an explanation (other than suspension), in
writing, from the parent or guardian explaining the reason(s) for the absence.
Excused Absences. An “excused” absence is defined in state law. Upon returning to school, the student shall
submit a written excuse to the attendance clerk. The excuse shall contain the student’s name, the current date, the
dates of absence, the reason for the absence, the parent/legal guardian’s signature, and a phone number for
verification purposes. A maximum of five excuses per semester may be written by a parent/guardian. Excuses in
excess of three must be written by a health care provider. (Refer to the nine certifiable reasons, by state law, for an
absence to be considered excused.) The student may make-up work missed during an excused absence. If the student
fails to see the teacher about make-up work or fails to complete the make-up work within the time allotted by the
teacher, a zero will be recorded. Students are not allowed to make-up any work when the absence is unexcused.
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Student absences resulting from officially approved school business will not be counted against the student. Students
must obtain assignments and arrange for make-up work and/or tests prior to an official absence.
Suspensions. A student who is suspended from school shall be allowed to make-up any graded work missed during
the time of suspension at a time designated by school officials. The student will receive a failing grade for any
graded work not completed (made up) within the specified time.
Appeal Procedure for Absences
An appeal may be made by the parent/guardian for students whose absence has been classified as “unexcused” or
who have missed more than the allotted number of total days in which to receive a passing grade/credit. The
following steps must be followed:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Within five (5) days after the student has been told that the absence is unexcused or the student/parent
has received notification that the student has exceeded the allotted number absences, a letter requesting
a policy review/waiver must be submitted by the parent/guardian to the principal. Attached to this
letter should be documentation verifying the reason(s) for the absences.
The principal will approve or deny the request and notify the parent/guardian, in writing, of the
decision. At the principal’s discretion, a teacher/administrator committee may review each case and
make a non-binding recommendation to the principal.
Requests not approved by the principal may be appealed to the Superintendent by submitting a letter to
the Office of the Superintendent, 10 Homochitto Street, Natchez, MS 39120, within two (2) school
days of receiving notification that the request was denied.
Decisions made by the Superintendent may be appealed to the Board of Trustees through the
superintendent’s office by submitting a letter to the president of the Board of Trustees within two (2)
school days of receiving notification from the superintendent that the request had been denied.
College Recruitment Day
It is realized that many senior classified students desire to go to college, and some trying to decide about college
cannot reach a decision without a campus visit. Therefore, the following guidelines will be in effect beginning the
first day of the school year.
1.
An excused absence will be granted to any student who desires to visit a college campus, provided the
following requirements are met:
•
The request is received one day in advance.
•
A parental permission slip is on file in the office.
•
The student presents evidence that he or she will not miss a major test.
•
The student is in satisfactory standing in the courses needed for graduation.
•
The student has not been absent more than eight (8) days in any one semester.
•
The student has not been truant from a class.
2.
A student must prearrange a college visit by bringing a permission note from a parent or an official notice
from the college, indicating the date(s) s/he will be visiting. This will be approved by an administrator and
placed on file. Upon return to school, the student must present official verification of his/her visit.
3.
College days count as excused absences, not official school activity absences.
Tardiness to School/Class
The practice of being prompt is considered to be an acquired habit which enhances students' abilities to succeed in
adult life. Students who are not in the classroom and not involved in the instructional process cannot achieve at the
same level as the student who is present and involved. In addition, students who are tardy disrupt the instructional
process for other students in the class when they arrive late to class. Tardiness, both to school in the morning and to
each class, is harmful to the instructional process.
Tardies should be reported to the office daily, and consequences are based on cumulative tardies computed on a
semester basis. Students arriving after the official beginning of a class are tardy.
Students who are truant will be referred to an administrator who has the option of placing the student in the InSchool Suspension (ISS) or suspension from school. (See NASD Discipline Matrix; NASD Policy JBAC.)
14
If detained in the office or by a teacher, a student must receive a note before going to the next class to avoid being
considered tardy or truant.
Students are considered truant if they are unaccountably absent from any class – in excess of 10 minutes – or leave
campus without proper authorization.
Make-Up Work
On the first day upon returning to school from being absent, it is the student’s responsibility to secure the
assignments that were missed. A student is given a minimum of one day to make-up work for each absent day. The
teacher may give more time, but not less than one per day of absence. Students who fail to complete the work during
this time allowed will be given a zero (0) grade for work not completed. If the teacher elects not to require the
student to make-up all work missed, only the work made up will in any way affect the student’s grade. All tests
missed during an absence must be made up under the supervision of the teacher or other approved staff member.
Make-up tests must be comparable in quality and quantity to the tests missed. When a test or schoolwork (e.g., book
report, research paper, etc.) has been assigned before the absence occurs, the student is responsible for the test and
assignment(s) upon the day of return.
Assigned test(s) and/or work missed because of preplanned school-related absences (e.g., field trip, college day,
athletic/activity event, etc.) must be turned in or taken during the first class after the absence.
Any student that has been suspended, although the absence is recorded as “unexcused,” will be afforded an
opportunity to make-up any work that was missed during the suspension.
The parent/legal guardian may call the school to get assignments for the student after the student has been absent for
two (2) days. Parents should call the guidance office by 8:30 a.m. to allow teachers to use their planning period for
preparation. Assignments, which need to be picked up after school on the same day, will be available in the main
office.
Bullying
The Natchez Adams School District does not condone and will not tolerate bullying or harassing behavior. Bullying
or harassing behavior is any pattern of gestures or written, electronic or verbal communications, or any physical act
or any threatening communication, or any act reasonably perceived as being motivated by any actual or perceived
differentiating characteristic that (a) places a student or school employee in actual and reasonable fear of harm to his
or her person or damage to his or her property, or (b) creates or is certain to create a hostile environment by
substantially interfering with or impairing a student’s educational performance, opportunities or benefits. A “hostile
environment” means that the victim subjectively views the conduct as bullying or harassing behavior and the
conduct is objectively severe or pervasive enough that a reasonable person would agree that it is bullying or
harassing behavior. Bullying or harassing behavior will not be condoned or tolerated when it takes place on school
property, at any school-sponsored function, or on a school bus, or when it takes place off school property when such
conduct, in the determination of the school superintendent or principal, renders the offending person’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.
The Natchez Adams School District will make every reasonable effort to ensure that no student or school employee
is subjected to bullying or harassing behavior by other school employees or students. Likewise, the District will
make every reasonable effort to ensure that no person engages in any act of reprisal or retaliation against a victim,
witness or a person with reliable information about an act of bullying or harassing behavior. The District
encourages anyone who has witnessed or has reliable information that a student or school employee has been subject
to any act of bullying or harassing behavior to report the incident to the appropriate school official.
The Natchez-Adams School Board directs the superintendent or designee to design and implement procedures for
reporting, investigating, and addressing bullying and harassing behaviors. The procedures should be appropriately
placed in District personnel policy handbooks, school handbooks that include discipline policies and procedures, and
any other policy or procedure that deals with student or employee behavior. The discipline policies and procedures
must recognize the fundamental 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 menacing or threatening behavior through
15
bullying or harassing. Furthermore, the Natchez Adams School District defines “reasonable action” as promptly
reporting the behavior to a teacher, principal, counselor, or other school employee when subjected to bullying or
harassing behavior. §37-7-301(e)
(See NASD Discipline Matrix for Bullying; NASD Policy JDDA, JDDA-P.)
Care of School Property
The school buildings, furniture, equipment, etc. are provided at great expense by the citizens through taxation.
Students should refrain from defacing or destroying school property and should make every effort to encourage
friends and fellow students to exercise this kind of citizenship. Every student should take pride in keeping the
buildings, furnishings, and the school facilities and grounds in tidy condition.
A student who has destroyed or caused damage to any school property or equipment whether as an act of
carelessness, negligence, or deliberation, will be disciplined, and restitution shall be sought. A student caught,
vandalizing school property will be reported to the appropriate law enforcement agency, and prosecution will be
pursued.
Conferences and Communication
Close communication between home and school is an important factor in establishing a highly effective school
program. Planned conferences between parents and teachers are vital in establishing cooperation and a useful link to
improve student achievement.
A student or parent who wants information or raises a question or concern should confer with the appropriate
teacher, counselor, or administrator. Conferences via a telephone or “other” personal contact between parents and
teachers provide an opportunity for a mutual exchange of information and ideas for constructively impacting the
educational experience of the student. All conferences shall be scheduled during teachers’ planning periods,
immediately before or after school, or at another mutually convenient time. Teachers may request and principals
may require attendance of a counselor or other personnel at scheduled conferences.
Under normal circumstances, teachers and administrators are expected to respond to parental requests for
communication via written notice, telephone, fax, or e-mail within a 24-hour period and certainly no later than two
workdays.
Parents may enroll in Active Parent, an online service which will allow them to check their child’s grades,
attendance and discipline records. For more information contact the school’s attendance clerk.
16
Dress Code and Grooming
The Board of Trustees has adopted a Mandatory Student Uniform Dress Code, for students in grades K-12, for the
purposes of enhancing school safety, reducing ethnic and racial tension, improving the educational environment,
promoting self-esteem and discipline among the student population, decreasing violence and theft among students,
preventing the use of "gang" colors and insignia at schools, promoting fraternities or sororities, and assisting
students and their parents in resisting peer pressure. The school logo, which can be purchased from the school
district at a nominal cost, shall be placed on the left front panel of a shirt, sweater, sweatshirt, or windbreaker, at the
area where the left pocket would normally be positioned.
Mandatory Student Uniform Dress Code
Bottom
Top
(Shirt)
Shirt style
should be
Polo/golf style
(3-button with
collar) or
Turtleneck
Undershirts
must be solid
white
Shirts must be
tucked in
No sleeveless or
cap sleeve shirts
Coat/Jacket
Shoes, Belts,
Caps
Khaki or Navy
Blue ankle
length pants
(Jacket/Coats)
Sweater/
Sweatshirt
Shoes with
closed toe and
heel
No Rolling Book
bags(except with
doctor’s excuse).
No visible
labels
May be worn as
long as the
uniform shirt
collar is revealed
underneath.
No slippers,
house shoes,
thongs, or
gangidentifiable
shoe-laces
No sunglasses
(unless prescribed
by physician)
Male Students
Female
Students
Khaki or Navy
Blue ankle
length pants
No visible
labels
No cell phone
pockets
No cargo, jean
or bell bottom
style pants
Pants must fit –
not too loose or
too tight; worn
at the waist
(“No Sagging”)
No shorts (6-12)
No cell phone
pockets
No cargo, jean,
capri, or bell
bottom style
pants
Must fit – not
too tight or too
loose
No shorts or
skorts (6-12)
Jumper or Skirt
– knee length
while standing
Sweater/sweatshi
rt must be long
sleeved and solid
color with no
writing.
NASD issued
athletic jacket or
sweater
No sorority or
fraternity logos or
paraphernalia
No patches, pins,
lettering that
display lewd,
profane, obscene,
suggestive, vulgar
or illegal
merchandise or
contraband
material
Belts must be
worn.
Belts must be
appropriately
sized with a
standard size
buckle
No head
covering (i.e.
no wraps,
scarves,
bandanas, or
hoods);
Hair free of
rollers, combs,
picks, or nets
Exemptions/Waivers to the Uniform Dress Code are on the following page.
17
Book Bags,
Accessories
Robert Lewis
Magnet
School
Royal blue,
white, purple,
or gold shirts
Gold or white
logos
Arts Academy
of
Morgantown
Middle School
Navy Royal
blue shirts
with white logo
College Prep
Academy of
Morgantown
Middle School
Red or White
polo or white
oxford shirts
with navy logo
Leadership
Academy of
Morgantown
Middle School
Gold shirts
with navy
NASD logo
The Freshman
Academy
Early College
Academy
Natchez
High
School
Gold shirts
with blue
NASD logo
Royal blue
polo with
white & blue
NASD logo
White or
navy blue
shirts with
NASD logo
Optional:
&
White oxford
(on
professional
Mondays) with
Navy cross ties
(girls)
Navy necktie
or bow tie
(boys)
Navy Blazer,
Cardigan, or
Sweater Vest
&
Professional
Wednesdays
Light blue
Oxford with
white & blue
NASD logo
Navy cross ties
(girls)
Navy necktie
or bow tie
(boys)
Navy blue
cardigan or
vest with
initials.
Optional:
Gray or sky
blue polo with
white & blue
NASD logo
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Exemptions/Waivers to the Uniform Dress Code, with Principal Approval
Members of the Boys’ Scouts or Girls’ Scouts shall be exempt from wearing the mandatory school uniform
on the day(s) they wear their Class A scouting uniform.
Members of the cheerleading or athletic teams dance or drill team, and band shall be exempt from wearing
the mandatory school uniform on the day(s) they wear their pre-game attire.
Students can receive a waiver to the mandatory uniform dress code on the basis of religious reasons. A
statement must be provided by the student’s religious leader. For example, a student, based on religious
reasons, might be permitted to wear a hijah (Islamic), turban (Sikh), yarmulke (Jew), bonnet and cape dress
(Mennonite), shuka (Masai), etc.
Students who cannot afford the purchase of the uniform must discuss options with the building-level
principal.
Pregnant students must adhere to dress code colors in their maternity tops and bottoms.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Consequences of non-compliance are listed in the Code of Student Conduct. Repeated violations may have more severe
consequences.
18
Electronic Devices
Electronic devices have become a common means of communications and information access in today’s society.
Instructional time is valuable and sacred and Natchez-Adams School District works to maximize the use of every
minute of this time. Electronic devices have the potential of disrupting the orderly operation of school. Therefore,
Natchez-Adams School District has created this policy to govern the possession and use of electronic devices on
school premises, during the hours, at school sponsored activities, and on school transportation.
For the purpose of this policy “Electronic Device” means a privately owned wireless and/or portable electronic
handheld equipment that includes, but not limited to, existing and emerging mobile communication systems and
smart technologies (cell phones, smart phones, etc) portable internet devices ( Blackberry handset, tablets etc),
Handheld entertainment systems, Headsets, Earbuds (video games, CD players, compact DVD players,MP3 players,
IPods, etc) and any other convergent communication technologies that do any number of the previously mentioned
functions. “Electronic Device” also includes any current or emerging wireless handheld technologies or portable
information technology systems that can be used for word processing, wireless Internet access, image
capture/recording, sound recording and information transmitting/receiving/storing, etc.
The Board prohibits use of personal communication devices, cellular telephones, laptops, personal digital assistants,
and other emerging technologies by students during the school day, except for instructional use under the authority
of the teacher or administrator and/or approved use during times and in places appointed by the administrator. The
Board prohibits the use of any electronic device for the purpose of photographing or recording, audio or video,
except for instructional use under the permission and/or supervision of the teacher or administrator.
The transmission of unauthorized or confidential information through electronic devices is restricted. In addition, the
Board prohibits student use of any device that provides for a wireless, unfiltered connection to the Internet.
The failure to adhere to this policy will result in the following consequences:
First Offense:
Device will be confiscated. The parent/legal guardian must come to the school to retrieve
it. Conference with administrator required at the administrator’s discretion.
Second Offense: Device will be confiscated. The parent/legal guardian must come to the school to retrieve
it and will be assessed a $25 fine.
Third Offense:
and Subsequent
Offenses:
Device will be confiscated for ten days. The parent/legal guardian must come to the
school to retrieve it and will be assessed a $25 fine.
The district shall not be liable for the loss, damage or misuse of any electronic device brought to school by a
student.
Any student who fails to comply with a request to surrender his/her phone to the principal will be found in violation
of the Code of Student Conduct and consequences for “insubordination” shall be applied in addition to the abovelisted consequences for failure to comply with the policy.
Use of personal electronic devices (cellular telephone, pager, beeper, camera, etc.) during any statewide assessment
(inclusive of SATP) will result in the invalidation of the test score or suspended; the student will be suspended from
school.
Students are allowed to use computers and have access to the Internet provided the proper permission forms have
been completed by the parent/guardian and submitted to the school.
Parents should refrain from using any electronic devices when they are visiting the school.
Extra-Curricular Activities
19
The school district believes that student activities are a vital part of the total educational program and should be used
as a means for developing wholesome attitudes and good human relations, as well as knowledge and skills.
A variety of activities–clubs, dances, picnics, concerts, academic competitions, plays, and athletic events–are
scheduled throughout the school year. However, no school-sponsored activities or events are to be scheduled during
the days designated for state-mandated assessment.
Drug Abuse (Natchez Adams School District)
Students in the Natchez-Adams School District are prohibited from carrying, possessing in any manner, selling
alcoholic beverages and/or illegal drugs as defined in state law (§41-29-101 through 41-29-123), including, but not
limited to, morphine, marijuana, cocaine, opium, heroin or their derivatives or compounds, drugs commonly called
LSD, “pep” pills, tranquilizers, or any other narcotic drug, barbiturate, substance ingredient or compound which,
when taken orally, intravenously, inhaled or in any other manner, may cause the person to be under the influence
thereof or any other controlled substance regulated by law, including any substance that is falsely represented to be a
controlled or counterfeit substance.
The provisions of this policy shall not apply to any student who is taking prescription medications under a licensed
physician’s supervision and direction unless the student is illegally selling or distributing medications.
The provisions of this policy shall apply to all students during all of the period of time that they are under and
subject to the jurisdiction of this school district, while participating in or going to or from any school-related
activity, while under the supervision and direction of any teacher, principal or other authority of this school district
or when such conduct does or may threaten to interfere with or disrupt the educational process or pose a threat to the
safety of the student or others.
Any student violating any of the provisions of this policy shall be automatically suspended and recommended for
expulsion, as provided in §37-11-18 Mississippi Code, by the superintendent or principal of the school in which the
student is enrolled. The suspension shall be effective immediately subject to the procedures of due process. In the
event of violation of this policy, all reporting requirements shall be applicable.
This policy is for the discipline and protection of the students of this school district and their general welfare.
Nothing herein contained shall be construed to avoid any prosecution under any pertinent criminal statute of the
State of Mississippi.
Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA)
The school district participates in activities governed by the Mississippi High School Activities Association, Inc.
(MHSAA). To be eligible for participation in interschool activities, a contestant must be a bona fide student, having
enrolled not later than the 15th day of any semester of participation, and having a satisfactory discipline record. The
State Board of Education has endorsed "no pass, no play" academic standards for all public school students in grades
9-12, who participates in extracurricular activities governed by the MHSAA, including athletics, cheerleading, band,
choir, drill team, etc.
To be eligible to participate in athletic competition and cheerleading, a student must present a certified copy of the
birth certificate; participate in the school insurance program or provide proof of a family insurance policy, which
includes a provision for injury resulting from any form of sports activity; have a physical examination; must have
earned five (5) units credit that count toward graduation for the year preceding participation, including an
accredited summer school; and, be promoted to the next grade-level for classification. Accredited correspondence
and MVS course work may be accepted for establishing athletic eligibility, provided the course has been completed
and recorded by the first day of the school year. Correspondence work is not recognized in computing QPA by the
NCAA.
Once a student enters the seventh grade, s/he has 12 semesters of eligibility. If an eligible student drops out of
school for one or more semesters, the student is ineligible to participate in a MHSAA sanctioned activity until credit
is received in five (5) subjects during the semester, provided the maximum number of semesters of eligibility has not
been exhausted.
20
Academic Rule (6th, 7th, and 8th Graders)
To be eligible for participation as a seventh grader, a student must have been promoted from sixth grade; and for
participation as an eighth grader, a student must have been promoted from seventh grade. A student must pass
his/her grade by achieving at least an average of 70 in four basic courses the previous year in order to be eligible to
participate during the present year.
A student who is not eligible at the beginning of the school year may become eligible the second semester only once
during the student’s junior high school career by passing four basic courses with a 70 in each course.
*Basic courses - any subject that the student meets five days a week.
Students in the 7th and 8th grade participating in high school extracurricular activities must pass their grade level by
achieving at least an average of 70 in three of the four core courses of English, math, science, and social studies the
previous year in order to be eligible to participate during the present year.
Academic Rule (9th -12th Graders)
To be eligible for athletics and activities, beginning with the freshman class of 2010-2011, students must pass five
credits toward graduation with one year of six credits. The five units will be averaged as a whole, and the overall
average must be 70 or higher in order to maintain eligibility. This will be done on a yearly basis.
A student athlete may become eligible only once during his/her high school career if he/she fails the last semester of
the previous year, by passing five units with a 70 average the first semester of the following year. This will be done
in order to keep the student on track for graduation.
A student who is enrolled in any grade higher than Grade 6 must be suspended from participation in an
extracurricular or athletic activity sponsored or sanctioned by the school district after a semester in which the
student’s cumulative grade point average is below 2.0 on a 4.0 scale. {MS Code 37-11-65}
NOTE: The Carnegie units will increase from 20 to 24 units by the State Department of Education in 2008-2009.
The students will then be required to pass 6 units of credit during the school year with a 60 average or better in order
to maintain eligibility. Those students who opt out of the Mississippi school’s curriculum and need 21 credits to
graduate, will be required to pass five credits toward graduation to be eligible. However, they must pass six credits
one of those four years of eligibility.
Special education students will be academically eligible if they are making satisfactory progress according to the
committee reviewing the Individual Plans (IEP).
A student ejected from a sports activity for unsportsmanlike conduct shall be suspended, as a minimum, from
participation in that sport for no less than one week. According to the MHSAA, the principal or designee shall be
responsible officers of the school. Both at home and on trips, school officials shall be responsible for the conduct of
those connected with their school (i.e., students, school officials, and partisan fans) regarding any acts of violence,
including verbal and physical abuse. The MHSAA will recognize no plea of extenuation which suggests that those
officers are not responsible.
Any student who is absent for any part of the school day shall not be permitted to practice nor participate in any
school-sponsored event without prior approval from the principal.
21
Clubs/Organizations
Arts Academy of
Morgantown
BETA Club
Student Government
Association
Drama Club
Yearbook Club
The Freshman
Academy
BETA Club
Student Government
Association
Science
Technology Student
Association
College Prep
Academy of
Morgantown
BETA Club
National Junior Honor
Society
Poetry Out Loud
Student Government
Association
Yearbook
Natchez High School
Student Government
Association
Beta Club
National Honor
Society
J-ROTC
Jobs for Mississippi
Graduates
Future Educators
Key Club
Echoes (Newspaper)
Yearbook
Mayor’s Youth
Council
Science Club
Mu Alpha Theta
(math)
Leadership Academy
of Morgantown
Robert Lewis Magnet
School (STEM)
BETA Club
Future Business
Leaders of America
Student Government
Association
BETA Club
Student Government
Association
Technology Student
Association
Fallin Career and
Technology Center
Family Careers &
Community Leaders
of America (FCCLA)
Future Educators
Association
National Technical
Honor Society
Health Occupation
Students of America
(HOSA)
Skills USA
Technology Student
Association
Natchez Early College
Academy
Student Government
Association
Beta Club
National Honor Society
Future Educators
Newspaper
Peer Counseling Committee
Sports & Activities
Natchez High School & Early
College
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Baseball
Football
Girls’ Fast Pitch
Varsity Girls’ Basketball
Varsity Boys’ Basketball
Boys’ JV Basketball
9th Grade Football
Boys’ Track
Girls’ Track
Girls’ Cross Country
Boys’ Cross Country
Morgantown Middle School
Academies/Robert Lewis Magnet
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Girls’ Indoor Track
Tennis
Band
Choir
Cheerleaders
Drill Team
Boys’ and Girls’ Soccer
Golf
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Football
Girls’ Basketball
Boys’ Basketball
Track
Band
Choir
Soccer
Golf
Tennis
NCAA Requirements
The NCAA Division I initial eligibility rules have changed for students entering any college or university in fall 2003
and thereafter. Please see a guidance counselor or coach of the particular sport for specific requirements.
22
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (Policy JRAB)
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) (§1232g; 34 CFR Part 99) is a Federal law that
protects the privacy of student education records. The law applies to all schools that receive funds under an
applicable program of the U. S. Department of Education.
FERPA, a federal law, is designed to protect the privacy of a student’s education records. The law gives parents
certain rights with respect to their children’s education records. These rights’ transfer to the student, or former
student, who has reached the age of 18 or is attending any school beyond the high school level. Students and former
students to whom the rights have been transferred are called eligible students.
1.
Parents or eligible students have the right to inspect and review all of the student’s education records
maintained by the school.
2.
Parents and eligible students have the right to request that a school correct records believed to be
inaccurate and misleading. If the school decides not to amend the record, the parent or eligible student
has the right to a formal hearing. After the hearing, if the school still decides not to amend the record,
the parent or eligible student has the right to place a statement with the record commenting on the
contested information in the record.
3.
Generally, schools must have written consent from (See “Forms”) the parent or eligible student before
releasing any information from a student’s record. However, the law allows schools to disclose records,
without consent, to the following parties:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
School employees who have a need to know.
Other schools to which a student is transferring.
Certain government officials in order to carry out lawful functions.
Appropriate parties in connection with financial aid to a student.
Organizations conducting certain studies for the school.
Accrediting organizations.
Individuals who have obtained court orders or subpoenas.
Persons who need to know in case of health and safety emergencies; and state and local
authorities, within a juvenile justice system, pursuant to specific state law.
U. S. military recruiters (P.L. 107-107, §544, National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year
2002.)
Disclosure of student information and to whom it may be disclosed must be documented, in writing, and placed in the
student’s cumulative folder.
Directory Information
In accordance with FERPA, the school district may also disclose appropriately designated “directory information”
without written consent, unless the parent has advised the school district to the contrary. The primary purpose of
directory information is to allow the schools to include this type of information from the student’s educational records
in certain school publications such as, but not limited to:
•
•
•
•
•
•
a playbill, showing the student’s role in a drama or music production.
yearbook, newspaper;
video yearbook or school promotional,
honor roll or other recognition list,
graduation program;
sports activity programs.
The following information is considered “directory information”:
23
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
name
mailing address and telephone number
photograph or other images
dates of attendance, grade-level
participation in officially recognized activities and sports
weight and height of members of athletic teams
diploma, awards, and honors received
student publications and yearbook information
Personal information, within the guidelines specified in law, shall only be transferred to a third party on the condition
that such party will not permit any other party to have access to such information without the written consent of the
parents of the student or by an eligible student.
The information contained in this handbook serves as notification to parents and eligible students annually of their
rights under FERPA. Parents who believe their rights have been violated may file a complaint with: Family Policy
Compliance Officer, U. S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, D.C. 20202-5920.
Field Trips and Excursions
Field trips and excursions are extensions of classroom instruction and provide worthwhile learning opportunities for
students to participate in unique and enriching educational experiences. School administrators and teachers shall
develop systematic procedures for insuring that all trips away from the school provide optimal learning opportunities
for students. The following minimal procedures shall be adhered to when conducting field trips and excursions:
1.
Students shall be expected to exhibit good behavior and shall be subject to the Code of Student Conduct
applicable to regular classroom activities.
2.
Students must have a Field Trip Permission form signed by their parent(s)/guardian(s) on file with
school officials prior to departing on such school-sponsored field trip, except that a “blanket”
permission form will be applicable for such trips that are scheduled in advance and on specific dates
(i.e., athletic events). Students not submitting a signed permission form shall not be permitted to
participate in such activity.
3.
Students assigned to ISS or OSS at the time of a field trip shall not be permitted to participate.
Fraternity, Sorority, or Secret Society
§37-11-43 Mississippi Code prohibits the establishment of, recruitment to, and membership in a fraternity, sorority,
or secret society. Any student who belongs to one of these organizations is subject to suspension or expulsion.
It is unlawful for any person to solicit any public school student to join or pledge him/herself to become a member of
any such fraternity, sorority, or secret society. Any person, firm, or corporation violating state law with respect to
attempting to establish a fraternity, sorority, or secret society, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and, upon conviction,
shall be fined not less than $25.00 or more than $100.00. Clothing as well as jewelry and other accessories with a
fraternity or sorority logo or name are strictly prohibited and will be confiscated.
Fund Raisers and Solicitation
All fund raising activities must be approved by the Superintendent or designee prior to any agreement entered into
with a vendor. Under no circumstances may anyone conduct any kind of sale on school property for personal gain.
All clubs and organizations, including the PTA and booster clubs, which are associated with the school district and
conduct fund raisers, must follow the school district policy in order to conduct a school-related fund raiser. Food
items included in a fund raiser must meet the requirements of the school district’s School Wellness Policy JG.
Grievance Procedure
Grievance procedure regarding discipline is outlined under the Due Process Procedures (see Code of Student
Conduct). Complaints by students or parents about instructional materials, assignment of credit, or prior review of
24
non-school materials intended for distribution to students are handled through procedures specific to policies in those
particular areas. To review relevant policies or obtain further information, contact the principal.
A student and/or parent with a complaint regarding possible discrimination in any school program on the basis of
race/ethnic group, sex/gender, limited English proficiency, or handicapping condition should contact the school
principal.
A complaint regarding placement of a student with disabilities should be directed to the Director of Special Services;
complaints about American with Disabilities Act or about 504 procedures/services should contact the school district’s
Office of Student Assessment. For a complaint regarding sexual harassment, see the section on Sexual Harassment.
See pp. 2-3 regarding district-level contact persons and the school district’s statement on Non-Discrimination.
(See also NASD Policy JCE).
Harassment
No harassment – sexual, racial, economic, etc. – shall be permitted. Students who practice harassment shall be
disciplined based on the Code of Student Conduct and psychological counseling could be required. Legal action may
be taken by the aggrieved. In some instances, harassment, based on the nature, may be classified as a “hate” crime.
In accordance with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, §703, no student in the school district shall
be subject to sexual harassment. The intent of the school district is to maintain an environment free from sexual
harassment of any kind. Unwelcome sexual advances, request for sexual favors, other verbal or physical conduct of a
sexual nature amounting to or constituting harassment is prohibited. Peer taunting also constitutes an act of
harassment. Complaints of violation of this policy may be made to the appropriate building administrator or to the
Title IX coordinator (see p. 2), without fear of reprisal. Should violations prove to be legitimate, the offending
employee/student shall be subject to disciplinary action. In any case of harassment of a student, the parents of the
students involved will be notified.
Health and Safety of Students
The school district recognizes its responsibility for the safety of all students, employees, visitors, and parents on
district property or at school-sponsored events. This responsibility extends to possible natural and/or man-made
disasters that are best met by planning and preparedness. Therefore, an emergency preparedness plan has been
developed, which ensures:
1.
2.
3.
4.
The health and safety of students and staff are safeguarded.
The time necessary for instructional purposes is not unduly diverted.
There will be a minimum of disruption to the educational program.
Students are taught self-reliance and trained to respond sensibly to emergency situations.
All health and safety threats shall be identified by the appropriate personnel and responded to promptly in accordance
with the emergency response plan.
When conditions/situations require the closure of schools, announcements will be disseminated by radio, TV, and
newspaper. The public is advised to listen to these news services for information. Each school will implement its
“telephone tree” to advise employees regarding the decision to close the school. If an emergency closure/evacuation
occurs during the school day, emergency evacuation procedures, which have been established, will be implemented.
Administering Medication to Students
Some students are able to attend school because of the effective use of medication in treatment of specific illnesses
and disabilities, and some medication regimens necessitate the administration of medication during school hours. In
schools where there is a school nurse, medicine, as a controlled substance, will be maintained in the clinic and
administered by the nurse. If no nurse is on duty, the principal’s office will designate a person responsible for
maintaining and administering the medicine. Realizing the necessity of immediate access to inhalers for asthmatic
25
students and bee sting swabs for students highly allergic to bee stings, students can maintain the inhaler or swab on
their person as prescribed by a physician.
Students, whose regimen requires the administration of medicine during school hours, will need to secure a copy of
the “Administering Medicine to Students” form, which is completed by the physician and placed on file at the school.
No medication (prescription or non-prescription) will be given at school by school personnel without the proper
paperwork on file. Information regarding the school nurse’s standing orders to administer over-the-counter
medication will be provided during orientation. (See Emergency Contacts; NASD Policy JGCD; JGCDA)
Asbestos Containing Materials
The Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act of 1986 was enacted to provide guidance and establish requirements
for the effective management and abatement of asbestos hazards in schools. One of AHERA requirements is this
notification, which is intended to inform the public that Asbestos Containing Materials (ACM) are present in the
schools. This notice is not intended to provide comprehensive information concerning the ACM and specific
hazards.
All of the facilities that contain ACM are surveyed every three years. During the course of this survey all ACM is
carefully inspected and assessed for potential exposure or degeneration potential. A three-year asbestos management
plan is generated to provide guidance for the proper maintenance or removal of the material. Additionally, periodic
re-inspections of the ACM are conducted to ensure that there have been no changes in the material’s condition or to
take corrective action if changes are noted.
The careful management of asbestos containing materials will ensure that students and employees of the school
district will have a healthy and safe environment in which to learn and work.
A copy of both the surveillance report and management plan for each school may be reviewed in the principal’s
office at each school. In addition, a copy of all management plans for the district is maintained in the school district
LEA Asbestos Designee’s office located at 204 Pilgrim Boulevard, Natchez, MS. Any interested party should go to
any of these locations to review these reports. Contact person: Isaac Davis, Supervisor of Maintenance, at 601-4452899.
Cafeteria/Child Nutrition Program
The school maintains a cafeteria where meals are served to students at reasonable prices. Students are expected to
maintain the same standard of conduct in the cafeteria as in a well-managed restaurant. Any student who was
approved to receive free/reduced price meals during the previous school year may receive meals based on that status
until September 27, 2013. No student may charge lunch for any reason.
Only one application for a free/reduced price meal will be required for all students of one family. Parents are
encouraged to complete the application prior to the beginning of the school year.
No carbonated drinks in cans will be allowed in the cafeteria. No food items will be sold on the school campus from
one (1) hour before through one (1) hour after meals are served. This restriction includes food/drink items from
vending machines. Fast food (e.g., McDonald’s, Popeye’s, Burger King, Wendy’s, etc.) will not be delivered to
students.
(See also NASD Policy JGHR).
Contagious or Communicable Diseases
State law provides the school district with the power to exclude from school any student suffering from contagious or
infectious diseases. Each staff member has the responsibility to observe students and notify the principal of any
suspected infectious or contagious disease. Parents of a student with a communicable or contagious disease are asked
26
to telephone the school nurse and/or principal so that other students who have been exposed to the disease can be
alerted. A student who has certain diseases is not allowed to come to school while the disease is contagious.
Disease
Chicken Pox
Hepatitis A
Impetigo
Influenza (flu)
Lice (Pediculosis)
Measles, Red
Measles, German
Disease
Mononucleosis
Mumps
Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)
Ringworm
Scabies
Strep Throat (streptococci)
Tuberculosis
Exclusion from School
7 days after eruption appears or until vesicles become dry
One week after onset of jaundice; clearance by a physician
24 hours after beginning proper medical treatment
When free of fever and feeling well
Until nits are gone
7 to 10 days after onset of rash
4 days after onset of rash
Exclusion from School
Clearance by a physician
9 days after glands swell
Until under proper medical treatment
Until under proper medical treatment
Until under proper medical treatment
24 hours after treatment has started; free of fever
Clearance by the Mississippi Department of Health
The principal may require a written note from the student’s family doctor or public health department before a
student can return to school after having a communicable or infectious disease. If, during the school day, a student in
attendance is suspected of being infected with a contagious disease or condition, the school will call the student's
parent/guardian to pick up the student.
Upon returning to school, the student must present a note from the parent/legal guardian and, as appropriate, a
physician stating the medical reason for absence in order for the absence to be considered excused.
(See also NASD Policy JGCC)
Drug Abuse Policy
The school district acknowledges its primary responsibility to educate, counsel, and protect students. Recognizing
that the misuse of prescription medicine and use of illegal drugs, the school will use any legal means in its power to
prevent interruptions in the educational process and avoid jeopardy to the well-being of students or staff through
drug-related incidents. Such means may include, but are not limited to, trained canine searches, automobile or locker
searches, request for examination of personal effects, random drug testing, and request for aid from law enforcement
personnel. (See Searches.)
Any student in school who possesses, uses, transfers, or sells a controlled substance while on school property or
attending a school-sponsored event shall be subject to suspension, and information related to the incident will be
provided to the appropriate law enforcement agency(ies). Official action will be in compliance with the constitutional
rights of due process, including the student’s right to appeal to the school board, with the final decision based on
Class VI behavior standard. (§37-11-18 Mississippi Code.)
Emergency Contacts
A registered nurse is available at each school, grades K-12. The nurse provides medical screening and is on call for
emergencies. Parents and school officials may refer students with health problems to the nurse. First aid will be given
when necessary; referral to a physician or other health agencies will be made when treatment is beyond the means of
the school. Parents need to provide the school with the following information for emergency use:
1.
2.
Telephone numbers where parents may be reached in an emergency. (Please provide unlisted telephone
numbers, pager numbers, and/or cellular phone numbers. The office and teachers must have the most
current information in order to contact parents/legal guardians in the event of an emergency.)
Name of family physician;
27
3.
4.
Preferred hospital or clinic; and.
Names of local relatives or persons who will accept responsibility for the student in case of an
emergency when the parents/legal guardians cannot be reached.
Emergency Drills
Severe weather drills and fire drills are held regularly during the school year. When severe weather occurs, students
are assigned to protected areas. The signal for severe weather is two long rings on the bell system. Students are
directed to go to a designated area inside the building. The signal for a fire drill is three short rings of the bell. For
fire drills, students are directed to quickly leave the classroom in an orderly manner and report to a designated area on
the school campus. One continuous ring of the bell means that students should return to class.
Homebound Services
See “Homebound Instructional Program” under Academic Information.
Immunizations
(See Admission to School.)
Insurance
All students who quality for the reduced/free lunch program can register for the state student insurance (CHIPS)
program. There is no cost for participation. In addition, the school district has contracted with an insurance provider
to provide 24-hour coverage at minimal charge.
Students participating in any athletic program are required by the Mississippi High School Activities Association to
provide evidence of insurance before being accepted into the sports program.
The district will not be responsible for costs of treating injuries or assume liability for any other costs associated with
an injury.
Pregnant Students
Pregnant students shall be governed by the same attendance policies, rules, and regulations that govern all other
students. Although the pregnant student’s school absence immediately preceding and following the delivery shall be
an excused absence, the student will be eligible to earn course credit only if minimum course requirements are met as
determined by the principal through consultation with the student’s teachers. The pregnant student who remains in
school during the pregnancy should be under the direct care of a licensed physician/health care provider. Also, the
pregnant student is expected to fulfill the following responsibilities:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Notify the school principal or guidance counselor once the pregnancy is confirmed.
Provide the principal or guidance counselor with a written statement from the physician. The
statement should include the physician’s recommendation concerning school attendance for the
pregnant student, limitations with respect to physical activity, and confirmation of the expected
date of delivery.
Participate in a joint conference with the principal and the pregnant student’s husband/father of
the child, or, if the student is unmarried, the student’s parent(s). This required conference shall
be held for the purposes of determining delivery, based on the physician recommendation, and
how to best accomplish the academic requirements during the time the student is out of school.
Consult monthly with the school counselor and social worker.
In the later stages of pregnancy, when the school uniform no longer fits, the student should
wear maternity tops and pants or skirts in school colors. Administrative approval is required for
any deviation from the dress code to accommodate an expectant mother.
Because of possible complications or early-onset of labor, pregnant students are
discouraged from participation in field trips in the latter months of pregnancy. A
statement from the doctor may be required for participation.
28
7.
8.
While on maternity leave, the student must request for course work to be sent home on a
weekly basis to be completed by the student and sent back to school for grading. Every
opportunity will be provided so that the pregnant student can remain in the academic program
if she is unable to maintain a regular schedule during the delivery term. (See Absences)
Before returning to school after delivery, the student must present, to the guidance counselor, a
written statement from her physician certifying her readiness for readmission.
Searches
All searches must be pre-approved by the superintendent, principal, or assistant principal. At least two district
employees must be present while a search is conducted. All searches must be reasonable in scope.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
School officials may conduct searches of persons, possessions, desks, and/or lockers if there is
reasonable suspicion that a student has violated or is violating school district policy, rules or
regulations, or the state or federal law, and that the search will result in discovery of evidence of such
violation.
Searches of vehicles driven to school by or for students may be searched by visual inspection with or
without reasonable suspicion of a violation. If a visual search results in reasonable suspicion of a
violation, a more intrusive search of the vehicle may be conducted.
Metal detectors may be employed to provide and maintain a safe and secure learning environment.
The school district may use surveillance equipment to provide and maintain a safe and secure learning
environment. Equipment will not be used where there is an expectation of privacy (e.g., restrooms,
gym/locker rooms). Any information obtained through the use of surveillance equipment shall be used
only for school safety, disciplinary matters, law enforcement, or other lawful purposes.
The district may, at any time, utilize canines to search vehicles, possessions not on the student’s person,
desks, lockers, and other school property, with or without reasonable suspicion of a violation. A canine
response indicating the presence of contraband constitutes reasonable suspicion and a more intrusive
search may be conducted at the direction of the principal.
School Safety and Emergency/Crisis Management Preparedness Plan
The school district, in conjunction with Adams County Emergency Management Agency, Civil Defense, Department
of Health, law enforcement agencies, and area hospitals, has developed a Comprehensive Safe School/Crisis
Management Plan to enable staff members how to manage a crisis situation and minimize the negative/adverse
effects of a school-wide crisis. The school district is dedicated to providing safety and order. All staff, students,
parents, and members of the community must be a part of creating a safe school environment.
Smoking and Other Uses of Tobacco Products
The Surgeon General of the United States has determined that the use of tobacco in any form is harmful to one's
health. In response, the state legislature enacted the Mississippi Adult Tobacco Use on Educational Property Act of
2000, stipulating that students are not to use (smoke, chew, or dip), nor have in their possession, tobacco in any form
on school campus, in all school buildings, on school-operated or a chartered vehicle, or at school-sponsored events.
This ban extends to all employees, students, and patrons attending any school-sponsored event or meeting.
Wellness Policy
The Board of Trustees has approved a district-wide Wellness Policy, which focuses on school health, safety, and
nutrition. 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, full physical and mental growth, and
lifelong health and well-being. Healthy eating and physical activity, essential for a healthy weight, are also linked to
reduced risk for many chronic diseases. Schools have a responsibility to help students learn, establish, and maintain
lifelong, healthy eating and activity patterns.
29
All students in the Natchez-Adams School District shall possess the knowledge and skills necessary to make
nutritious food choices and enjoyable physical activity choices for a lifetime. (See also NASD Policy JG)
Library/Media Center
The school library is open to students every school day. Students must present a hall pass showing their name, date,
and the library as their destination, with their teacher's signature.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Books may be checked out for a period of two weeks.
Reference and reserve books may be checked out for a shorter period of time or overnight. They must
be returned to the library by 8:30 a.m. the following day. No more than three (3) reserve books can be
checked out at one time.
Fines are 25¢ per day on regular books and 50¢ a day on reserve books for each school day the book is
overdue. Students are expected to clear all fines before taking nine-week or semester exams.
Magazines are not checked out of the library. However, students may have articles from magazines
copied for 25¢ per page on the school's copy machine provided copyright laws are not violated.
Students may come to the library to use computers for Internet research. However, inappropriate
computer use (e.g., hacking, changing the appearance of the screen, malicious mischief, accessing
inappropriate Internet sites such as pornography, hate groups, weapon making information, etc.) will be
reported to the principal as a discipline offense and appropriate disciplinary action will be taken.
Students may use other equipment in the library such as microfilm readers; filmstrip projectors;
television; and record, CD, DVD, and cassette players.
Each student's parent/guardian is responsible for lost and/or damaged books and the fines on books that
have been mistreated.
Internet and Electronic Mail
Students have access to the school system’s networked information resources, and the Internet allows students to
explore thousands of libraries, databases, and bulletin boards, and exchange messages with Internet users throughout
the world. The intent in providing access is to further the educational goals and objectives of the school.
Users of the Internet are accountable for their behavior and communications over the school system’s network.
Access is a privilege – not a right – and entails responsibility. Completion of an Acceptable Use Policy will be
required before students have access to networked resources. These forms are available in all schools. In utilizing the
Internet through the school district, the following are not permitted:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
sending, displaying or downloading offensive messages or pictures;
using obscene or profane language;
harassing, threatening, insulting, or attacking others;
violating copyright laws;
using another person’s password;
trespassing in another person’s folders, work, or files;
wasting, intentionally, limited resources; or
employing the network for commercial purposes.
Violation will result in a loss of computer/Internet access as well as other disciplinary or legal action.
Lost and Found Articles
Any personal items, including books that are found on campus should be taken immediately to the designated area.
When a student loses an article of value, a report should be made to the principal's office. Inquiry about lost articles is
made in the office. If the lost item has not been turned in, a description of the item and the student's name should be
left with the person in charge of the lost and found desk. Clothing and other personal items not claimed by the end of
each semester will be donated to charity. Personal valuables (e.g., jewelry, money, etc.) should not be brought to
school as the school assumes no responsibility for such items.
30
Restricted Areas
The following areas are off-limits to students: teachers' lounge, office computers, all duplicating/copy machines,
office hallways, administrative and secretarial desks, janitorial supply closets, and behind the serving line in the
cafeteria.
Special Education
The Special Education Department provides individual evaluation and educational planning for students with
disabilities who would benefit from special education assessment, instruction, and/or related services to support their
education. In general, students with disabilities have one or more of the following impairments: learning disability,
speech difficulties, emotional disturbance, autism, mental retardation, visual or auditory impairment, orthopedic or
other health impairments.
Referral information is provided by parents and school staff. Students are automatically referred who do not show
academic growth at Tier 3 of the Teacher Support Team assessment. Evaluation specialists administer tests which
include measures of the student’s intellectual ability, educational achievement, behavioral and learning needs. If the
student is placed in special educational services, an individual education plan (IEP) is developed. Whenever possible,
the student will be served in the regular class environment.
Dr. Charlotte Franklin serves as the program developer for special education and can be reached at 601-445-2800 or
by writing to: Natchez-Adams School District, Special Educational Services, P.O. Box 1188, Natchez, Mississippi
39121-1188.
504 Designation
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) lists specific types of disabling conditions that qualify a
student to receive special education services. 504 is broader than IDEA – there is no categorical listing of disabling
conditions. The Act defines a person with a disability as anyone who:
•
•
•
Has a mental or physical impairment, which substantially limits one or more major life activities
(e.g., caring for one’s self, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking,
breathing, learning, and working);
Hidden disabilities, which are physical or mental impairments, that are not readily apparent to
others (They include such conditions and diseases as specific learning disabilities, diabetes,
epilepsy, cancer, kidney disease, liver disease, arthritis, tuberculosis, and allergy); and/or
Has a record of such impairment or is regarded as having such an impairment. (Social
economical status and cultural environment are not considered as determiners.)
The school district will evaluate, identify and provide free appropriate education (an education comparable to the
education provided to students with a disability) to all students who are individuals with disabilities under 504 or the
American with Disabilities Act (ADA). Parents of these students are entitled to procedural safeguards, including
individual notice and an impartial hearing.
Parents are required to produce validation of a child’s handicapping condition when the condition is beyond the
parameters of assessment/evaluation that can be legally performed by public school personnel (i.e., medical
evaluation, psychological, etc.). A student with disabilities who is protected by 504 but who has no educational need
and can function in the regular learning environment does not have to be evaluated. However, the school district
ensures that the student has access to the programs and is not subject to discrimination.
504 requires “periodic” reevaluations. Unlike IDEA, there is no specified time frame. The school district, in
compliance with the federal law, re-evaluates the student every three years or if there is a significant change in
placement.
The school district will provide reasonable accommodations and services to students in accordance with the student’s
written 504 Plan developed and agreed upon by the school district and the parent/guardian.
31
SOAR Program
The SOAR (Seminars, Options, Alternatives and Research) program serves the intellectually gifted students of the
Natchez – Adams Public Schools in grades second through sixth. The mission of the Natchez-Adams SOAR
Program is to provide a differentiated learning environment that develops each student’s potential and enhances
intellectual ability, creativity and decision-making.
Children enrolled in SOAR classes are encouraged and challenged to excel to the best of their ability. Activities are
geared to stimulate creativity and develop thinking skills. Students must score in the 90 th percentile on an
achievement test and achieve a score of at least 120 on an IQ test to be eligible for the SOAR program. Students may
be referred by teachers, administrators, guidance counselors, parents, or peers to the Local Survey Committee.
For more information on the SOAR Program for the Intellectually Gifted, please contact Director of Special Services
at (601) 445-2995.
Students’ Personal Vehicles/Transportation
The school district provides transportation for all students who reside a mile or more from school. Students who elect
to provide their own transportation should realize that such is a privilege which may be revoked if violations occur.
Student Vehicles (Natchez High School and Fallin Career and Technology Center)
Students who drive or who are passengers in/on a vehicle are governed by school regulations once they enter upon
school property, and they are subject to all regulations and jurisdictions thereof. The school is not responsible for the
health and well-being of a student who uses transportation other than that provided by the school district. The school
does not accept any reason for being tardy to nor absent from school for students who ride to/from school in/on a
private vehicle.
All vehicles must have appropriate parking decals, which are purchased at Fallin Career and Technology
Center at a cost of $10.00. In addition to the decal, students are required to park in assigned parking spaces.
1.
Students must provide, upon request, evidence of a valid driver’s license and vehicle insurance
certificate.
2.
Speeding, reckless driving, "spinning wheels," playing loud or disruptive music, or any other
misuse of the vehicle is prohibited.
3.
Students must vacate their vehicle upon arrival on campus; they are not allowed to sit in, stand by,
nor enter into or sit on any vehicles at anytime during the school day (with the exception of
entering/exiting the campus.) Students are not permitted to return to their vehicle during the school
day for any reason other than departing from the campus for the day.
4.
State law permits school personnel to search vehicles when there is a reasonable basis to do so.
School authorities may conduct periodic general inspections of student vehicles at any time for any
reason. Searches of specific vehicles may occur when there is a reasonable basis to do so.
Only students enrolled in and attending school at Natchez High School or Fallin Career and Technology Center are
permitted to drive a vehicle to school; transportation for all other students must be by bus service or provided by
parent/legal guardian.
Discipline Procedures Concerning Vehicular Infraction(s) on Campus
1st Offense:
Denial of driving privilege for 20 days.
2nd Offense:
Denial of driving privilege for 45 days.
32
3rd Offense
Denial of driving privilege for a semester.
Visitors to School Campus
Parents/guardians’ and other visitors are asked to abide by the following procedures when visiting any school campus
in the Natchez-Adams School District:
1.
Check in at the office to receive a visitor's pass.
2.
Conferences with school personnel may be made through the secretary in the principal's office.
However, conferences will not be held during the teacher’s instructional time.
3.
Persons wishing to visit teachers or observe classes must secure permission from the principal or
designee.
4.
Small children cannot accompany parents to classrooms for conferences or visits.
5.
Students are advised not to converse with visitors unless the visitor has a school pass.
6.
Students are not permitted to bring visitors, relatives, children, or friends to school without prior written
approval from the principal.
7.
No pets may be brought on campus unless they are used for instructional purposes and prior approval
from the principal has been obtained.
8.
Visitors are asked to turn off his/her cellular telephones and other electronic devices.
Student Visitors
Students are not permitted to bring student visitors to school during regular school hours without prior approval by
the principal.
Withdrawal from School
When it becomes necessary for a student to withdraw from school, a withdrawal form must be completed to verify
that the student has returned all school issued material (books, uniforms, musical instruments, etc.).
In compliance with §1232g; 34 CFR Part 99-- Family Education and Privacy Act and §37-15-31 Mississippi Code,
the school district will release the transfer student's cumulative folder (school records) to the transfer school upon
written request by the transfer school.
(See Transcript Request.)
A more thorough explanation of the curriculum of the school district – course offering, requirements, grading policy,
graduation requirements, etc. is to be found in the Program of Studies.
33
ACADEMIC INFORMATION
A more thorough explanation of the school district—course offering, requirements, grading policy, graduation
requirements, etc. is to be found in the Program of Studies, which students receive during subject selection.
College (IHL) Requirements
Requirements for admission to public universities in Mississippi
UNITS
CURRICULUM AREA
COURSES
2010-2011
4
ENGLISH
MATHEMATICS
SCIENCE
SOCIAL STUDIES
COMPUTER EDUCATION
UNITS
2011-2012
4
Algebra I2
Geometry
3
4
Algebra II or any higher mathematics course
SELECT 3 UNITS FROM THE FOLLOWING
4
LIST:
Physical Science
Alg I
Biology
3
Alg II
Advanced Biology
(2 lab-based)
Geom
Chemistry
+ 1 Advanced
Advanced Chemistry
Math
Physics
Advanced Physics
Or any other science course with comparable content
and rigor
U.S. History
World History
World Geography
3
4
U.S. Government (½)
Economics (½) or
MS Studies
Computer Applications3
½
½
ART
SELECT 2 UNITS4 FROM THE FOLLOWING
LIST:
Algebra1
ADVANCED ELECTIVES Foreign Language1 and 2 or
Advanced World Geography & Foreign Language
MS Studies
Lab based Science
TOTAL UNITS REQUIRED
1
2
2
15½5
19 ½
Courses must require substantial communication skills.
Algebra I or first year Foreign Language or Mississippi Studies taken prior to high school will be accepted for
admission, provided course content is the same as the high school course.
3
Computer competency requirements may be met through course work requiring computers as a tool, word
processing and spreadsheets, basic computer terminology, and hardware operation.
4
One of the two units must be in Foreign Language or World Geography.
2
34
5
Limited exceptions to high school unit requirements may be available. For more information contact the Office of
Admissions. Admission requirements are subject to change without notice at the direction of the Board of Trustees of
the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning.
Correspondence Courses
A maximum of one (1) unit of credit in correspondence work can be counted for graduation. Correspondence course
work is limited to only those courses developed by Mississippi’s colleges/universities. The NCAA does not
recognize correspondence courses in computing rank-in-class. Guidelines are available in the guidance office at the
high school.
The Mississippi Department of Education provides a virtual school for high school students on a dual enrollment
basis. The student is responsible for the cost associated with enrollment. More information is available from the
guidance office.
Electronic (Virtual) Classes
Mississippi Virtual Public School (MVPS) is a web-based educational service offered by the Mississippi Department
of Education to provide Mississippi students with access to a wider range of course work, more flexibility in
scheduling, and opportunity to develop capacities as independent learners. The program is free to all students in
grades 9-12, with priority given to senior and junior classified students. Students may take non-core content courses
for elective credit only; no on-line courses will be offered in courses that are tied to the Subject Area Testing Program
(English II, Algebra I, Biology I, and U. S. History from 1877 to the Present). Advanced Placement courses are
available through MVPS.
Students must complete the MVPS registration form with parent/guardian signature and submit the form to the school
counselor for approval and processing. MVS registration forms are available through the school counselor or by emailing the MVPS “Help Desk” at mvssupport@mde.k12.ms.us.
Classes failed during the school year cannot be taken online.
Fees and Fines
In compliance with §37-7-301(bb)(ii) and §37-7-335 Mississippi Code, some specialized programs (e.g., some
elective subjects, publications, and honor activities) require a fee. The teacher must issue a receipt for all monies
received and turn the money into the school’s bookkeeper on a daily basis. A fee waiver is granted for documented
financial hardship. The following fees are charged:
Natchez High School
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
Accounting ................................................................................................................... (workbook) $15.00
Air Force JROTC .............................................................................................................................. $35.00
Art lab materials (per semester) ........................................................................................................ $15.00
Health Sciences ................................................................................................................................ $25.00
Band: Uniform rental (including cleaning cost) ............................................................................... $40.00
Band: Instrumental rental ................................................................................................................. $45.00
Choir: Uniform rental required .............................................................................. (approximately) $75.00
Computer Applications/Word Processing (per semester) ................................................................... $5.00
Dual Enrollment Courses (English IV, Calculus)1 ............................................. (approximately ) $315.00
Foods and Nutrition .......................................................................................................................... $10.00
Science lab fees ................................................................................................................................... $5.00
Student Parking [Purchased at Fallin Career and Technology Center] ............................................ $10.00
Student Activity Fee2 ........................................................................................................................ $10.00
Yearbook (optional)3 ......................................................................................................................... $50.00
Digital Media Technology (Fallin CTC) ........................................................................................ $10.00
Career Pathway Experience (Fallin CTC) (lab fee) ......................................................................... $10.00
35
1
The cost for a dual enrollment course is $315, which is subject to change, will be assessed for enrollment in courses
taken through Copiah-Lincoln Community College, Natchez campus. The student pays one-half (½) the cost for the
course.
2
Required student council service fund for homecoming, basketball sweetheart, and Echoes.
3
The school district, in compliance with §37-7-301(gg), receives a rebate from companies for processing required
paperwork, e.g., school day pictures, fund raisers.
Morgantown Academies and Robert Lewis Magnet
1.
2.
3.
4.
Art Materials for applied (lab) activities ......................................................................................... $5.00
Band - Uniform rental ................................................................................................................... $15.00
Science Lab fee…...………………………………………………………………………………. $7.00
Physical Education Uniform ………………………………………………..…………………... $15.00
Financial Hardship Waiver
All fees charged under the fee policy shall be assessed only upon the following conditions:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Applications for hardship waivers shall be maintained in the strictest of confidence with all files and
personal disclosures restricted from review by the general public.
Students eligible to have any fee waived as a result of an inability to pay, shall not be discriminated
against nor shall there be any overt identification of any pupil who has received a financial hardship
waiver.
In no case shall any financial hardship waiver procedures expose a student to any type of stigma or
ridicule by neither students nor school district personnel.
The school district’s confidentiality provisions shall apply equally to any student who has an inability to
pay and fees authorized by the board.
In no case does the inability to pay the assessment of fees result in a student being denied or deprived of any
academic award or standard, any class selection, grade, diploma, transcript, or the right to participate in any activity
related to educational advancement. A parent who wishes to apply for a hardship waiver may do so by contacting the
school principal or the Office of the Assistant Superintendent.
Grading Policy and Procedures
The evaluation of student progress is the responsibility of each member of the
professional staff and requires the highest professional skill. The primary purpose of the
grading system is to provide students and parents a composite statement of educational
progress in a specified period of time for the student in selected areas of learning.
1.
Official reporting of grades will be done on a nine-week basis.
2.
Grades will reflect a student’s progress toward meeting the
objectives/standards of a course using summative evaluation.
Grades will be used to motivate students, not to impose personal
bias.
3.
Teachers will maintain accurate records that reveal how they have
determined each student’s grades.
Term Tests
Grading Scale
Letter
Grade
Numerical
Average
A
90-100
B
80-89
C
70-79
D
60-69
F
0-59
Nine-week, comprehensive tests will be required in every course for which a grade is given. Tests will be
administered at the end of the first nine-week grading period, first semester (2nd grading period), third nine weeks
grading period, and second semester (4th and final grading period).
Grades
36
1.
2.
3.
4.
Grades from term tests (nine-week/semester) will be counted as major grades for elementary and middle
school students and will count 20% of nine-week/semester grade for high school students. All grades,
including nine-weeks, semester, and final averages, will be recorded as numerical values.
When determining a nine-week, semester, or yearly grade, any "F" average with a numerical value of 55
or below should be averaged as a "55" for the first grading period only.
The actual average should be shown in the grade book with a note that indicates that the grade was
averaged as a “55.” Averages for subsequent grading periods will be recorded as earned. There will be
no adjustments.
An incomplete (I) grade may be assigned when a student has not completed assigned work during a
grading period (unless the student has chosen not do the work). If the incomplete grade has not been
corrected within two weeks after the end of the grading period, a failing grade (F) will be assigned. No
incomplete grade will be given as a final grade in a course.
Averaging Grades
• Nine-Week Average, Grades 9-12:
80% major grades (e.g., chapter tests, unit tests, projects, products, compositions).
20% term test (1st nine weeks, first semester, 3rd nine weeks, and second semester or final).
•
Semester Grade
1st nine-weeks grade and 2nd nine-weeks grade will be averaged to determine 1st semester grade.
3rd nine-weeks grade and 4th nine-weeks grade will be averaged to determine 2nd semester grade.
•
Final (Yearly/Course) Grade
The 1st semester grade and the 2nd semester grade will be averaged to determine a yearly/course grade.
•
Rounding
In arriving at a nine-week, semester, or final numerical grade, any average with a fraction of a point
should be raised to the next number only if the fraction is .5 or higher. Example: An average of 84.1 to
84.4 would be rounded to 84; an average of 84.5 to 84.9 would be raised to 85.
Natchez-Adams School District Reteach / Retest Procedure
Our goal in the Natchez-Adams School District is to provide students with opportunities to reach the highest mastery
level possible. In an effort to promote optimal learning opportunities for all students, we are proud to offer the
Reteach/Retest Policy as an option to students who score a 69 or below on any summative assessment.
Research indicates that students learn in different ways and at various rates. Reteaching and retesting are beneficial to
all stakeholders: students are held more accountable for learning; parents understand their child is given an
opportunity to improve; and teachers ensure students master the content. Students also acquire the skills to be
successful in the next grade level’s courses.
Teachers will continue to monitor students' progress by the following methods:
 monitoring of grades at or below 69;
 monitoring of comprehension; and
 checking for understanding as part of their daily teaching;
We will use the following procedures when allowing students to retest:
1. Teachers should post the test grade no later than 5 school days after the test has been given.
2. When a student makes a 69 or below on an assessment that is counted as a major grade, the teacher must allow the
student the opportunity to take a retest.
3. Teachers, parents, and students must sign a contract documenting that at least two interventions are completed and
the grade is acknowledged. The two interventions must occur before retesting.
4. Students have up to 2 weeks once the test grade is posted in Active Parent to complete the interventions and the
assessment.
5. Students will need to make arrangement with teachers to redo assessments. Retakes are scheduled in advanced.
Teachers cannot accommodate same day requests.
6. Scores will not be averaged. The student shall receive the higher of the two grades.
7. The test shall be an alternate format to the original assessment, but it will be of a similar level of difficulty and
length and should not be perceived as unfair or a consequence.
37
8. When a major grade is impacted due to academic dishonesty (cheating), the student is not eligible for retesting.
Students will receive a grade of zero.
9. If the timing of retesting overlaps into a new grading period and this grade causes the student to fail for the nine
weeks, the current grade shall be posted in SAMS for the end of the term. The student receives that average with the
understanding that they have two weeks to reassess and receive a grade change.
10. Students may only retake the same test twice.
NASD RETAKE REFLECTION FORM
Student Name: ___________________________
Teacher Name: ________________
Subject: ________________________________
Class Period : _________________
Plan of Action (to be completed by the student):
TEST GRADE RETAKE
Name of Test/Standard
Grade Earned
Conference with Teacher to Discuss Retake
Test Retake Date
Explanation for Low Test Score
Step(s) to Success
I did not pass this test because I . . . . . .
To be successful on future tests, I will do the
following . . .
Additional Study Time
Reread text material
Review workbook pages and worksheets
focusing on corrections
After-school tutoring session
Date:_____________________
Private Tutoring
Other
Explain
Should have studied more
Not Attentive in class
Should have done my homework
Not prepared for class
Did not understand the concepts/skills
Date of Parent Contact:
Student Signature/Date:
Teacher Signature/Date:
Additional Comments:
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
38
Graduation Requirements
Pursuant to §37-16-7 Mississippi Code, the requirements for graduation shall include successful completion of state
mandates specified by the Mississippi State Board of Education, including state competency examinations; the state
and regional accreditation agencies; and, the Board of Trustees for the Natchez-Adams School District.
CAREER PATHWAY OPTION
SENIORS OF SCHOOL YEAR 2011-2012 and Beyond
In 2010, Mississippi state policymakers passed legislation to create multiple pathways to a standard diploma. The
2010 legislative actions created a career pathway to a standard diploma, with the goal of improving Mississippi
graduation rates and providing students with career and technical training that prepare students for postsecondary
credential or certification programs and employable workplace skills. This legislative change created new section 3716-17, Mississippi code of 1972, to provide for high school career option programs and career track curricula for
students not wishing to pursue a baccalaureate degree.
Curriculum
Area
English
Carnegie
Units
41
Required Subjects
English I
English II
Mathematics
32
Algebra I
Science
33
Biology I
Social Studies
34, 5
Health and Physical Education
½6
Career and Technical
47
Integrated Technology
18
Additional Electives
1 U.S. History
½ U.S. Government
½ Mississippi Studies
½ Comprehensive Health, or
½ Family and Individual Health, or
½ Physical Education
(Selected from Student’s Program
1.
of Study)
Computer Discovery, ICT I, ICT II, 9th
STEM, or Computer Applications and
Keyboarding
Courses selected from the student’s approved
program of study
2 ½9
Total Units Required
2110
Mississippi’s Institution of Higher Learning requirements differ from minimum graduation requirements for this
diploma pathway.
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
Career Pathway Option
1
Compensatory Reading and Compensatory Writing shall not be included in the four English courses required for
graduation. The two additional English credits must be from the student’s program of study which includes Technical
Writing, Creative Writing, English III, English IV, or any college-level dual credit courses.
39
2
Compensatory Mathematics may not be included in the three mathematics courses required for graduation.
Effective with eighth graders of 2008-2009, Pre-Algebra may not be taken after a student completes Algebra I. For
students pursuing the Career Pathway Graduation Option, at least one of the required mathematics courses must be
above Algebra I and selected from the student’s program of study. The allowable mathematics courses that can be
taken which are higher than Algebra I are: Geometry, Algebra II, Survey of Mathematical Topics, Advanced
Algebra, Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus, Calculus, AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, Discrete Mathematics, Statistics,
and AP Statistics, or any college-level dual credit courses. Effective with the eighth graders of 2004-2005, PreAlgebra, and Algebra I, may be taken in the eighth grade for Carnegie unit credit. Effective with the eighth graders
of 2008-2009, Geometry may be taken in the eighth grade for Carnegie unit credit.
3
For students pursuing the Career Pathway Graduation Option, at least one of the required science courses must be
above Biology I and selected from the student’s program of study. If a student’s program of study allows, one unit
may be in Concepts of Agriscience (AEST). A second science unit may be earned by completing a two course
sequence selected from the following three options: Science of Agricultural Animals, Science of Agricultural Plants,
or Science of Agricultural Environment. Two units may be in the following courses if the student completes the 2course sequence: Agriscience I & II; Allied Health I & II; Health Science I & II, Aquaculture I & II; Forestry I & II;
Horticulture I & II; Polymer Science I & II; Technology Applications I & II and Engineering I & II.
4
Advanced placement U.S. History is accepted in lieu of the required U.S. History 1877 to Present. The third social
studies credit should be selected based on the student’s program of study.
5
The credit earned for a State/Local Government course in any other state by an out-of-state transfer student who
enters after the sophomore year can stand in lieu of Mississippi Studies or Mississippi State and Local Government.
If the transfer student took a State/Local Government course in a grade level that did not award Carnegie unit credit,
then any other ½ unit social studies course may be accepted. An out-of-state student who transfers after the junior
year may substitute any other ½ unit social studies course. Credit earned for the first year of Marketing and
Economics (Vocational) may be accepted in lieu of ½ unit in Economics.
6
Credit earned in Allied Health I/Health Science I may be accepted in lieu of Comprehensive Health or Family and
Individual Health to meet the graduation requirement for ½ Carnegie unit in Health. Interscholastic athletic activities,
band, and ROTC if they meet the instructional requirements specified in the Fitness through Physical Education
Framework may also be accepted.
Career and Technical (CTE) courses must be based on the student’s program of study and should include dual
credit/dual enrollment options as found in Section 37-15-38 of the Mississippi Code of 1972.
7
8
Evidence of proficiency in technology is accepted in lieu of the required courses if the student earns one unit in a
technology-rich academic or career technical course related to their program of study.
Electives must be selected from courses related to the student’s program of study. Credits earned not approved for
that student’s program of study will not be counted toward graduation requirements.
9
10
See the following web site for information concerning equivalency course allowances for all career and technical
education and how to record information on a student’s transcript. (TBA)
Special Education
1.
2.
3.
Students with handicapping conditions that require special education instructional services who wish to
receive a standard high school diploma of graduation must meet the state and district’s requirements. The
district shall provide appropriate accommodations and/or modifications for each student on an individual
basis as necessitated by the handicapping condition.
Self-contained special education students shall, upon completion of the IEP, be awarded a special education
diploma which reads, in part, "has completed the district's special education program as outlined in the
Individual Education Plan."
An “occupational diploma,” as defined by §37-16-11(2) Mississippi Code, shall be awarded to any special
education student who meets the requirements as specified by the Mississippi State Board of Education.
40
Successful Completion of State-Mandated Tests
Students who began 9th grade must pass the Subject Area Tests in U.S. History from 1877, English II, Biology I and
Algebra I, even if they took the course(s) prior to their 9th grade year. Students must pass the Subject Area Tests in
U.S. History from 1877, English II, Biology I, and Algebra I.
Summer School/Extended School Year (ESY) Program and Correspondence Credit
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
A maximum of four (4) Carnegie units credit earned in summer school may be counted toward graduation,
but no more than one course in a major discipline area (English, Mathematics, Science, or Social Studies).
Summer school is fee-based. A minimum of 15 students must register for a course for it to be offered.
At a minimum, a summer school course consists of 70 clock hours for a semester course and 140 hours for a
full unit credit course. A minimum of 15 students must be enrolled in a summer school program for the
course to be offered.
A course which requires an end-of-course test mandated by the State Department of Education may not be
taken as a “new” course in summer school. These courses include English 2, Algebra 1, Biology I, and
United States History.
An ESY program focuses on non-mastered skills included in the school district’s curriculum.
A maximum of one (1) Carnegie unit credit earned in correspondence course work may be applied toward
graduation requirements. The course must be approved by the building-level principal, and the student must
successfully complete the district's instructional management test.
If a student elects to attend a summer school program other than the one sponsored by the school district,
prior approval by the principal must be secured before the credit is recognized and can be counted toward
meeting the minimum requirements for graduation. Credit will not be awarded to students who attend a
summer school program that is not approved by a regional accreditation commission/association.
Note: Summer School/Extended School Year (ESY) may be offered at the discretion of the school district.
Transfer Students
If a senior classified student, who has been enrolled in the district for at least one year, transfers during the senior
year and is unable to meet the receiving school's minimum units credit required for graduation, the school district
shall award the diploma of graduation upon receipt of a transcript from the receiving school showing completion of
the local school district's requirements for graduation, completion of the state's required examination(s), and verifying
that the student did not receive a diploma from the transfer school.
A student who transfers from a non-accredited (i.e., not accredited by either the state, private school or regional
accreditation agency) or in a home schooling program must demonstrate proficiency, as measured by a districtadministered subject-area or standardized achievement test, prior to recognition of the course and credit being
awarded.
Notification of Non-Graduation Status
The report card shall serve as notice to parents of the student's progression through the school year. The school shall
notify parents in person, by phone, or by letter of non-graduation status.
Senior Expenses
There are many expenses associated with the senior year— class ring, invitations, cap and gown rental, portraits, etc.
The school emphasizes that it cannot predict if a student will meet all of the requirements for graduation nor can it be
responsible for expenses incurred by the expectant graduate. Therefore, it is the student's responsibility to determine
his/her own status relative to the purchase of "senior" items.
41
Expenses incurred by the student do not guarantee graduation from high school. While the senior has the option of
purchasing these items, graduation is based upon successful completion of the minimum requirements– units of credit
and state exit exams– as explained throughout this publication.
Graduation/Commencement Ceremony
Participation in the Graduation Program
The school shall schedule preparation for graduation ceremonies in such manner that graduating seniors are absent
from classes no more than three (3) days prior to the end of the school year Students at Central who meet the
requirements for graduation and fulfill their placement time will be transferred back to NHS to graduate. Seniors that
have not completed the number of days of their placement will not be able to participate in graduation.
In compliance with state accreditation standards, only students who have completed the requirements in the regular
program (i.e., required minimum units credit and successful completion of the tests required in the Mississippi
Assessment System) – or special education students who have completed the IEP–shall be permitted to participate in
the graduation program.
Graduation/Commencement Ceremony Guidelines
In response to concerns raised by parents, students, and staff, the Board of Trustees approved the following
guidelines governing the graduation/commencement ceremony.
High school graduation is a very solemn and happy occasion. The ceremony provides an opportunity for family and
friends to honor those students who have fulfilled all the requirements for graduation. The occasion should be
memorable and dignified for participants, family, and friends.
The procession into the assembly/stadium will be dignified, with no verbal or gestural responses to the audience.
Once seated, seniors should remain quiet as a courtesy to those who are participating in the program and to other
classmates when they are receiving their diplomas. Because balloons block viewing of the ceremony, balloons are not
allowed in the assembly/stadium. Family and friends are requested not to use noise makers (e.g., whistles, horns).
Ordinarily, the commencement program lasts one hour. Family and friends are asked to remain for the entire
program, and not leave the assembly/stadium when a particular student receives his/her diploma.
These guidelines will be strictly enforced. Any senior who chooses to violate these guidelines will have the diploma
pulled and must petition the Board of Trustees for the presentation of the diploma at a later date.
Honor Graduate(s)
In past years, the tradition has been to recognize the “Top 30" graduates. School Board Policy does not address “Top
30" at all. The following guidelines are approved by the Board to recognize students who have excelled in their
academic studies. (See Honors.)





Students must be enrolled in the regular diploma program in order to be computed in the rank-in-class.
To compute the grade point average, only courses approved by the Mississippi Commission on School
Accreditation shall be considered.
Foreign exchange students will not be considered in computing rank in class, and, therefore, will not be
eligible for academic honors.
The terms grade point average (GPA) and quality point average (QPA) are used interchangeably.
The valedictorian will be the student with the highest grade point average as computed at the end of eight
semesters of high school work. In the case of a tie for valedictorian, co-valedictorians will be honored.
42



The salutatorian will be the student with the second highest grade point average as computed at the end of
eight semesters of high school work.
To be eligible for valedictorian or salutatorian honors, a student must be enrolled at Natchez High School
prior to and continuously following the 10 th day of the student’s senior year.
A student with a grade point average of 3.00 to 3.999 shall be designated as an “Honor Graduate.” A student
with a grade point average of 4.00 or higher on an extrapolated grade point scale shall be designated as an
“Honor Graduate with Distinction.”
Guidance Services
Guidance services are provided to help the student in developing self-understanding, self-direction, and self-esteem.
The guidance program is designed to help all students in their educational planning, career decision-making and
personal-social development. A major goal of the counseling program is for the student to mature as an individual
who understands the responsibilities for making decisions and for living with the consequences of those decisions.
Counselors are available to assist students in:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Selecting an appropriate program of study and in developing a 4-Year Plan of Study;
Dealing effectively with personal-social adjustment;
Interpreting test score results and relating the results to interests and abilities;
Identifying interests and abilities and relating them to occupational or job choices;
Making informed decisions regarding post-high school options; and,
Obtaining information and making decisions regarding college entrance requirements, majors, and
financial aid/scholarships.
Contacting specialists in out-of-school agencies, (e.g., Mental health, Employment, Social Welfare, etc.).
7.
Duties of the school guidance counselor include:







Providing individual counseling;
Working with students in groups (group guidance);
Administering tests and interpreting test results;
Working with parents and faculty in a consultative role;
Working with students in planning a program of study and in subject selection;
Making necessary referrals to community agencies; and
Maintaining the cumulative record system.
Each student should see a guidance counselor during the year to analyze current and future course selections and
academic programs with an emphasis on graduation requirements, work opportunities, scholarship opportunities, and
post-secondary educational opportunities.
Two different national tests are used for college admission: the Scholastic Aptitude Test, administered by the College
Entrance Examination Board, and the American College Test. The SAT is used for admission purposes in most
private colleges and in the northeast; the ACT is used primarily in the south. The tests are administered five times
annually. Cost ranges from $20.00 to $30.00. Information on these tests can be found in the guidance office.
Career Information Center
The Natchez High School Career Information Center provides students with information on different occupations,
including training and traits necessary for employment, job market outlook, salary and other fringe benefits, and
employment opportunities. In addition, material on colleges and technical schools is available, including location and
size, admission requirements, degree programs, and cost and scholarship information. The center is open to students
during school hours.
Homebound Instructional Program
43
Homebound instruction shall be provided, within budgetary limitations, to those students who are unable to attend
school due to mental, emotional, or physical illness or injury. The following guidelines shall be used for determining
eligibility for homebound instruction:
1.
2.
3.
Any student with a health or physical impairment which, in the opinion of a licensed medical provider,
will cause the student to be absent from school for more than two consecutive weeks and school
personnel determine can benefit educationally from such a program; and/or,
Any student whose educational needs, as determined by a case study and reviewed in a multidisciplinary staff conference, are met most appropriately and effectively by such a program. (Class work
is provided in the basic, required courses. Work in laboratory-based courses shall be modified, and the
student is expected to complete the lab phase of the course requirements when full-time attendance
resumes).
The homebound instructional program shall be coordinated through the alternative school program. The
amount of instructional and supportive services provided through the home and hospital program will be
determined based on the student’s educational, physical, and mental health.
Honors
Many awards, scholarships, and recognitions are presented each year to encourage scholarship and to recognize
student achievement in various activities. Local citizens, organizations, and the school make these awards possible.
Elected Officials, Service Roles, and Special Recognition
For honors such as student council officers, class officers, club officers, homecoming court, sweetheart court, Who’s
Who, etc., students must have been in attendance in the school district a minimum of one semester prior to election,
be classified in the grade-level for which they will serve/represent, and have an excellent deportment record.
National Honor Society
The four criteria for consideration for membership include scholarship, character, leadership, and service. The student
must have and maintain, as a minimum, a 3.0 QPA. After election, membership is withdrawn if the student (1)
receives a failing grade in a subject, or (2) is suspended or expelled. National Honor Society is for students in grades
10 -12.
Beta Club
All members must be performing on or above grade level. Membership is a privilege and not a right. The
qualifications for membership on the part of the student shall be: (a) worthy, moral and ethical character, (b) good
mentality, (c) creditable achievement, and (d) commendable attitude. The standards and means for appraising these
qualities shall be determined by the administration of the school.
Honor Roll
The honor roll, based on academic achievement, is announced each nine-week grading period. The school has two
levels of honors:
•
•
Superintendent's Scholar - an average of 90 or higher in each course for which a grade is given.
Principal's Scholar - an average of 80 or higher in each course for which a grade is given.
Academic Honors
In determining special honors for graduation, the equivalent of eight semesters (i.e., all course work considered for
meeting the requirements for graduation) of course work are considered. To be considered as valedictorian or
salutatorian, a senior must be enrolled in Natchez High School prior to and continuously following the 10th day of
the student’s senior year, and be enrolled as a full-time student. All other averages will be ranked in descending
44
order. A student with a grade point average of 3.00 to 3.999 shall be designated as an “Honor Graduate.” A student
with a grade point average of 4.0 or higher on the extrapolated scale shall be designated as an “Honor Graduate with
Distinction.” To compute the QPA, only courses approved by the Mississippi Commission on School Accreditation
shall be considered.
Part-time Students
Part-time students (i.e., students whose primary school of enrollment is non-public or home schooling) are not
eligible for special recognition or awards.
Verification of Eligibility
The principal, or designee, shall check the eligibility of all students being considered for service/leadership
responsibility, and for special recognition. A poor discipline record forfeits all such participation and recognition.
Promotion and Retention of Students, 6-12
The school district is dedicated to the total and continuous development of each student enrolled. The professional
staff is expected to place students at the grade-level best suited them academically, socially, and emotionally.
Course/Class Requirements
•
•
Successful completion of a course shall be based upon mastery of the competencies, objectives, and
skills in the Mississippi Curriculum Frameworks with a grade average of D (60) or higher as the final
grade in the course, and, as appropriate, performance on the state assessment program.
Student promotion from grade-to-grade shall be determined annually, at the end of the regular school
year. School year for this purpose is defined as August 1 to July 31. The school shall report to the parent
via report card or letter whether the student has been promoted to the next grade-level. Parents will be
notified if the student can correct the deficiency(ies) by attending and successfully meeting the
requirements for grade-level promotion in either an extended school year program or a summer school
program.
Extended School Year
The purpose of Extended School Year (ESY) is to provide additional instructional time to students who failed the
core subjects by five (5) points. The twenty (20) days of the Extended School Year (ESY) allow students to recover a
unit or minimal core objectives needed for promotion. Students in grades 9-12 (Extended School Year Credit
Recovery) are only allowed two (2) core subjects during the summer.
Grades 7-8
• Students in grades 7-8 must have a final grade average of a D (60) or higher average in the four major
discipline areas of English, mathematics, science, and social studies for promotion.
• Students in grades 7-8 failing no more than two (2) subjects shall be afforded an opportunity to complete
the deficiency(ies) in an Extended School Year (ESY) program. If the student does not attend nor
successfully complete the course objectives in the extended school year program, said student will be
retained.
• Students in grades 7-8 failing any three (3) subjects shall be retained in the current grade. ESY will not
be an option; the entire grade-level must be repeated.
• Promotion or retention of a student in Grade 8 who has a final grade average of a D (60) or higher in the
four major subjects (English, mathematics, science, and social studies) but has failed to meet the
benchmark score in one or more of the areas tested on the Grade 7 of the Mississippi Curriculum Test
45
(retest) will be subject to the recommendation of an External School Review Team (See Policy IKEA)
as provided by the federal law No Child Left Behind of 2001.
Grades 9-12
• Ninth grade classification shall be based upon successful completion of the eighth grade, as verified by
the school record.
• Successful completion of grade-level English is required for grade-level promotion.
• Students in grades 9-12 will be awarded Carnegie Units Credit based upon a grade of D (60) or higher as
the final grade in each course. Several high school courses offered in the 8 th grade carry credit.
Carnegie Units Credit required for grade-level promotion
Grade-Level
Units Credit
10
6.0
11
12.0
12
18.0
Graduation
Traditional Option
25.0
District Option
21.0
Career Pathway
Option
21.0
Each student receiving a standard diploma of graduation must pass each of the required high school exit examinations
(English II, Algebra I, Biology I, and U. S. History from 1877 to the Present) as required by the Mississippi
Department of Education.
Special Education
•
•
Students who are enrolled in a self-contained special education program shall be required to successfully
complete the Individual Education Plan (IEP) for grade-level promotion.
Special education students who are placed in a least restrictive environment (i.e., mainstreamed or
inclusion) shall be required to meet the same requirements as regular education students: a grade of D
(60) or higher as the final grade in each course. The district shall provide appropriate and allowable
accommodations and/or modifications for students based upon their handicapping condition and
specified in the IEP.
Alternative Educational Programs
Students enrolled in the alternative school program must comply with the same requirements for promotion as
specified above for each grade-level.
Retention for Participation in Athletic and Other Student Activities
No student shall be retained at any grade-level so that s/he can be more competitive in athletics or any other student
activities. Rules promulgated by the Mississippi High School Activities Association shall govern eligibility
requirements of contestants for participation in activities and events regulated by the association.
Notification to Parents of Promotion/Retention Status
46
The report card shall serve as notice to parents of the student's progress throughout the school year. The school shall
notify parents in person, by phone, or by letter of non-graduation status.
Report Cards
Report cards will be issued on the dates specified in the school calendar. Some schools mail the final (end-of-year)
report card. Parents/students should inform the school of a change in mailing address to assure delivery of the report
card. Parents are encouraged to talk with the teachers regarding their student’s progress as it relates to achievement of
course objectives, grade-level promotion status, and graduation status.
Statewide Testing Requirements
Beginning in 2014-2015, the new PARCC assessments will be administered to all eligible students enrolled in grades
3-8, Algebra I and English II. This next-generation assessment system will provide students, educators, policymakers
and the public with the tools needed to identify whether students — from grade 3 through high school — are on track
for postsecondary success and, critically, where gaps may exist and how they can be addressed well before students
enter college or the workforce.
Beginning with the 2012-2013 school year, the Grade 4 and Grade 7 Writing assessments will no longer be
administered. However, the English II Writing assessment remains a graduation requirement for those students
enrolled in English II prior to the 2012-2013 school year. Please note the following information regarding the
English II Writing assessments for those students enrolled in English II prior to 2012-2013.
The Elementary and Middle Grades Science Assessments are criterion-referenced assessments in grades 5 and 8 that
allow Mississippi to be in full compliance with the requirements of the federal legislation No Child Left Behind.
These assessments provide a snapshot of a student’s mastery of the Mississippi Science Curriculum Framework 2012.
The results of these assessments will provide information that will be used for the purpose of improving student
achievement; the results will also be used in Mississippi’s school accountability system.
Subject Area Testing Program
The Subject Area Testing Program (SATP3) consists of four academic, end-of-course tests. Since the 2001-2002
school year, students have been required to pass the subject area test(s) as a requirement for graduation.
Students are assessed on the content at the completion of the course in Algebra 1, Biology I, English II, and U.S.
History from 1877. As part of the No Child left Behind (NCLB) and Title I requirements, all students who are
enrolled in Algebra I and English II (multiple-choice only) for the first time must be tested. The scores of all these
first-time test takers must be included in the annual report cards.
With the adoption of Common Core State Standards by the Mississippi Department of Education, English I, English
II and Algebra I will be constructed based on those standards. Biology I and U.S. History from 1877 will be assessed
based on the Mississippi Curriculum Frameworks.
To graduate, students must achieve a passing score on the SATP2 or SATP3 assessments listed in BOLD and
underlined below. Students will take the new SATP3 (PARCC) assessments based upon the first year they enroll in
the course for credit.
SATP3 assessments in Algebra I and English II will ‘go live’ during the 2014‐2015 school year.
Standard setting committees will recommend cut scores as in the past for SATP3 (PARCC) tests. It is
anticipated that final scores and student pass/fail statuses will not be finalized until late September 2015.
Courses/Grades
2013-2014
Sunset of MCT2 and
SATP2 Algebra I & English
47
2014-2015
Implementation Year
2015-2016
Implementation Year
Grades 3-8
II
MCT 2
Algebra I
Algebra I—SATP
English II
English II--SATP
MCT3 (PARCC)
SATP3—Algebra I
(PARCC)
SATP3—English II
(PARCC)
High School Seniors Provided Additional Option for Graduation
2014-2015 -– This school year, high school seniors will have one additional option to meet graduation requirements
if they don’t pass one or more exams in the Subject Area Test Program (SATP) and don’t meet previously approved
alternative options.
The State Board of Education today approved a new policy that allows students who are seniors in the 2014-2015
school year to use their end-of-course SATP score with their overall course grade to apply for graduation. Students
will qualify for this option if their course grade and test score, when evaluated together, demonstrate adequate
mastery of course content.
This policy will continue for seniors who are enrolled in the 2015-2016 school year. Also in 2015-2016, all students
enrolled may achieve a combined minimum score from the end-of-course Subject Area Tests to meet the requirement
for graduation in lieu of passing the applicable end-of-course Subject Area Test.
Starting in the 2016-2017 school year, SATP scores will constitute 25 percent of a student’s final grade.
SATP tests are administered to students who have completed Algebra I, Biology I, English II, and U.S. History.
Under the new policy, SATP test results will continue to be included in the state accountability model.
“This option gives students another way to demonstrate that they have mastered their coursework without making the
requirements for graduation contingent upon the outcome of any one particular test,” said Dr. John R. Kelly, Board
chairman. “This policy also preserves the ability of districts and schools to continue using SATP end-of-course test
results to measure how well students are learning.”
The new policy still requires that students enrolled in Algebra I, Biology I, English II, and U.S. History participate in
the applicable SATP test in order to earn the Carnegie Unit for the course. Students who fail an SATP test will still be
offered opportunities to retake the test.
Under the new policy, graduation options are as follows:
Beginning with school year 2014-2015, students may graduate by passing the course and meeting one of the
following options:
1.
2.
3.
Pass the applicable end-of-course Subject Area Test
Use the end-of-course Subject Area Test score with the overall course grade (For seniors in 2014-2015 and
2015-2016 only. Starting in the 2016-2017 school year, SATP scores will constitute 25 percent of a student’s final
grade.)
Obtain a score of 17 or higher in the specific subject area on the ACT.
48
4.
5.
Earn a C or higher in an entry level, credit-bearing dual enrollment/dual credit /college credit course.
Obtain an Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) AFQT (Armed Forces Qualification Test)
score of 36 plus one of the following:
1)
Earn a CPAS (Career Planning and Assessment System) score that meets the attainment level assigned by
Federal Perkins requirements.
2) Earn an approved Industry Certification as specified in the Career Pathway’s Assessment Blueprint and outlined
in Appendix A-5 in the current edition of the Mississippi Public School Accountability Standards.
1.
Obtain the Silver Level on the ACT WorkKeys plus one of the following:
1)
Earn a CPAS (Career Planning and Assessment System) score that meets the attainment level assigned by
Federal Perkins requirements.
2) Earn an approved Industry Certification as specified in the Career Pathway’s Assessment Blueprint and in
Appendix A-5 in the current edition of the Mississippi Public School Accountability Standards.
Textbooks
Parents/guardians and students are responsible for textbooks and instructional material issued, and shall be held liable
for any loss, abuse, damage in excess of that which would result from normal use of such textbooks and materials. No
student shall participate in the graduation services without having all textbook and other fines paid.
General Rules
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Students and parents must assume full responsibility for the books and their proper care until they have
been returned to the school.
Students will be held accountable if the textbooks are abused. A fine will be charged for any textbook or
library book that shows unnecessary wear or abuse.
In case of a lost book, the price of the book must be paid before another textbook can be issued.
Damage done to a book by a third party is the responsibility of the student to whom the textbook was
issued.
Failure to pay for a lost or damaged textbook precludes the student being issued a replacement textbook,
or textbooks being issued the next school semester or school year, and the school district may seek a writ
for garnishment of wages of parents. [AG Opinion, January 10, 1997.]
The amount of payment for lost or damaged textbooks will be determined by the following schedule:
1st Year of Use
2nd Year of Use
3rd Year of Use
4th Year of Use or more
Original cost of book/material
75% of original cost
50% of original cost
25% of original cost
If, however, when unusual or excessive damage to a textbook/material is evident, charges may be assessed up to but
not to exceed the original cost.
Transcript Requests
Release of any information on the official school record shall be in accordance with §1232g; 34 CFR Part 99The Family Rights and Privacy Act. The school district releases the cumulative folder upon request by a transfer
school. The school will provide an official copy of the student's transcript to any designated receivership upon a
request by the student or parent. (See Withdrawal from School).
49
Official transcripts are mailed by the school to the designated receivership. (Unofficial transcripts do not have the
seal of the school nor the signature of the designated school official.) The first transcript is provided free of charge.
Subsequent copies cost $1.00 while the student is enrolled in school, and, once the student graduates or leaves school,
a $2.00 processing fee is charged for each copy.
CODE OF STUDENT CONDUCT AND DISTRICT DISCIPLINE PLAN
Introduction
The school district looks upon discipline primarily as a means of building enlightened self-control within the student,
and, secondarily, as a force to secure external control of the student. The latter, while necessary for some students, are
educative only as it promotes the development of self-control.
Discipline is predicated on the belief that all students must follow basic rules of behavior. Consequently, a violation
of rules constitutes a willful and conscious act on the part of the student.
The school district believes that disciplinary actions should be minimized while assuring that an orderly learning
environment is maintained. The rules and regulations impose no hardship on those who earnestly seek an education;
the rules and regulations inconvenience only those who would confuse and disrupt the learning environment and
thereby deny others their opportunity to obtain an education.
The faculty and staff will exert every effort to maintain an orderly, educational atmosphere; however, the final
disposition of discipline resides with the administration. All procedures of due process will be observed in
administering the school's rules and regulations.
Positive Behavior Interventions and Support Program
Effective classroom management and preventive school discipline are essential for supporting teaching and learning.
PBIS goes further by emphasizing that classroom management and preventive school discipline must be integrated
and working together with effective academic instruction in a positive and safe school climate to maximize success
for all students. The school district employs Positive Behavior Interventions and Support to enhance academic and
social behavior outcomes for all students. PBIS is a prevention-oriented way for school personnel to (a) organize
evidence-based practices, (b) improve their implementation of those practices, and (c) maximize academic and social
behavior outcomes for students. PBIS supports the success of ALL students.
The assertive Discipline techniques in overseeing a behavior management program that focuses on (1)
communicating expectations, (2) providing training on what is expected, (3) providing positive reinforcement, and (3)
providing corrective action. Essentially, each teacher utilizes five basic rules of behavior, which, if students follow,
positive recognition is provided; if broken, corrective discipline is imposed.
Courtesies and General Conduct
All students are expected to follow the same courtesies and general conduct. The following expectations apply to
students in grades Pre-K through 12:
Cafeteria
1.
Display courtesy and good table manners, keeping noise to a minimum.
2.
Get a tray promptly without delaying the line.
3.
Respect the place of others; never crowd or try to get ahead.
4.
Cafeteria food and drinks must be consumed inside the cafeteria.
50
5.
Return the tray when finished, leaving the eating area clean.
Assemblies
1.
Enter quickly, take your seat, and remain quiet. Inappropriate behavior during assemblies can
result in immediate removal.
2.
Give attention to speaker or program. Do not make comments, read, do homework, or disturb those
around you.
3.
Applaud courteously. No booing, whistling, or stomping feet.
4.
Respect other participants.
5.
Sit in your assigned space.
Corridors/Walkways
1.
Keep to the right and do not block passage by stopping to talk or play.
2.
Maintain minimum noise level; loud talk and noises are not allowed.
3.
Keep these areas clean, i.e., no littering.
Athletic Events
1.
Remain in stands during the game.
2.
Do not loiter, run, or play in or around concession/restroom area.
3.
Alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, or controlled substances are prohibited.
4.
Refreshments are served in paper cups; no bottles, cans, or glass containers are allowed.
5.
Profanity, vulgarity, and/or obscenity are prohibited.
6.
Do not throw objects or use artificial noise makers.
State Law
Mississippi law (§37-11-53) states that each school shall have published a CODE OF STUDENT CONDUCT, listing
rules and regulations, including disciplinary action that will be taken by the school when there is a verifiable violation
of the code. The law is quite explicit with regard to (1) violations that may result in suspension, expulsion, or
reassignment to an alternative school program; (2) violations of a specific nature that require notification to the court
and law enforcement agencies; and (3) parental responsibility with regard to student enrollment and attendance,
attending a discipline conference, restitution for damage to school property or property of others, and criminal fines
brought against the student for unlawful activity occurring on school grounds.
The Mississippi Department of Education requires the school district report, within 24 hours of the incident, certain
violations of the Code, which, upon first offense, results in expulsion: assault, bomb threat, possession of controlled
substances (drugs), extortion, homicide, kidnapping, mayhem, poisoning, rape, robbery, staff assault, stalking, sexual
battery, and possession of firearms and other weapon possession. See State Laws in the appendix.
Copies of the various state laws, which have been used to develop the Code of Student Conduct, are found in the
appendix to this handbook.
51
Code of Student Conduct
Students have certain basic rights under the constitution and laws of the United States and the State of Mississippi.
Those rights, however, do not extend to infringement on the rights of teachers to teach and other students to learn.
A student who obstructs any teaching, learning, administrative, or extracurricular activity shall be subject to such
disciplinary procedures as set forth in this handbook, or as otherwise authorized by law. Every student is strictly
accountable for any disorderly conduct in school or on school property.
A Code of Student Conduct has been established for all students enrolled in the school district. It is expected that
this code shall be followed and enforced in the same spirit and manner throughout the school district. Principals and
administrative personnel shall assure due process for each student, and may consider any mitigating circumstances
prior to disciplinary action including, but not limited to, the following factors:
1.
Age, maturity, health, and academic placement of the student.
2.
Prior conduct of the student.
3.
Self-defense action taken by the student.
4.
Attitude of the student.
5.
Cooperation of parents/guardians.
6.
Severity of the infraction.
7.
Willingness to make financial restitution for defaced, damaged or destroyed property.
The school district holds students accountable for their behavior. The following expectations set forth are intended to
ensure a safe and orderly environment that is conducive to both teaching and learning.
Students must arrive at school at the designated time; report to all classes promptly; prepare work and
participate in learning activities as required by the teacher; respect individual property; refrain from use
of profanity or obscenity in verbal, written, or gestural form; abide by school rules and regulations; and,
obey the laws of the local, state, and federal government. Students are expected to conduct themselves
in keeping with their level of maturity and act with due regard for authority vested by the Board of
Trustees of the school district in all district employees. All employees of the school district are expected
to share the responsibility for supervising the behavior of students and seeing that students abide by the
code and rules of conduct.
In-School Suspension and Out-of-School Suspension Assignment
Students assigned to in-school suspension as a consequence for disciplinary infractions will be required to serve the
specified length of the suspension in an area designated by administrators. Failure to comply with all of the
expectations and rules of ISS or complete the entire length of the suspension will result in out of school suspension.
District Discipline Plan
The school district has categorized two categories of behavior standards—minor and major—and authorized
disciplinary consequences for any student who violates the Code of Student Conduct listed in each class.
52
Each year the District’s Discipline Plan and Student Code of Conduct is developed through a cooperative effort of
District administrators, teachers, and parents from each instructional level within the school district. The Discipline
Plan and Student Code of Conduct has the force of policy after it is adopted by the Board of Trustees.
A “discipline plan” containing policies and regulations on the rights and responsibilities of students and a “student
code of conduct” outlining student disciplinary expectations shall be made available to all students and parents,
teachers, and administrators at the beginning of the school year via the District’s web site. Hard copies are also
available upon request from each school’s office.
Discipline Management Plan Quick Reference
This chart depicts brief examples of offenses at each of the disciplinary levels and the consequences available to
administrators. For more specific detail, refer to the District Management Plan and Student Code of Conduct listed
on the District web page.
Minor Offenses:
Major Infractions:
Minor Offenses are misbehaviors managed “on the spot”
(classroom, common areas, etc.). Interventions used to
address/correct minor offenses are documented on Low
Level Referrals which are then used to demonstrate a
pattern of misbehavior.
Major Infractions are violations which require the
immediate attention of administrative staff. The
interventions used to address and correct major
infractions are documented on an Office Referral Form
(High Level).
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
Disruption, including running in halls
Defiance
Eating in class
Non-compliance
Property misuse
Dress code
Mild physical contact
Inappropriate language
Tardy
Lying
Cheating, plagiarism
Out of bounds, including leaving or entering parking
lot w/o permission / cutting class
13. Trash/littering
Safety (High Level):
A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, C1, C2, C3, C4, C5
Safety:
A & A-2 —fight , assault, altercation
B — weapon
C — controlled substance, under influence (see also
EC48915)
D — controlled substance, sale
E — robbery / extortion / stealing
M — imitation firearm
N — sexual assault, battery / rape, sexual contact
O — harass / threaten / intimidate witness /
stalking/bullying
P1 — sexual harassment (see also below — P.2, NonSafety)
Q — hate violence
R — harass / threaten / intimidate individual, groups or
staff
S — terrorist threat
T — aid / abet physical injury
U — hazing
Non-Safety:
F — damaged property/ vandalism
G — stole, or attempted to steal school/personal
property
H — tobacco
I — obscene acts / vulgarity
J — drug paraphernalia — sale
K — chronic disruption / defiance
L — received stolen property
P2 — sexual harassment (see also above — P.1, Safety)
See definitions on pages 4-5 of NASD Discipline
Management Plan for further explanation
53
Transportation
School bus transportation is a privilege which is provided by Durham School Services for those students who qualify
under state regulations and who follow bus rules (§37-41-3, Mississippi Code). The school bus driver is authorized
and responsible to the school district to maintain student order and to ensure safety at all times. Therefore, he/she is
authorized to instruct and otherwise control students while they are on the bus.
Students are allowed to ride only the bus to which they have been assigned. A student may not ride another bus
unless in an emergency situation and prior approval/notification is given. The parent/guardian must write a note
stating the emergency. The principal must approve the note prior to the student’s riding the bus.
Students are to be at assigned bus stops in the morning and at designated loading zones in the afternoon on time. Bus
drivers may assign seats on buses. Students should be seated in their assigned seats at all times when on the bus.
Students will not be allowed to take large objects on a school bus, and they should be extremely careful when
carrying band instruments or class projects on a bus.
NASD recognizes that students who regularly ride the school bus may present disciplinary problems. Students will
be held to a strict account for their conduct on the way to and from school. NASD has the authority to establish a
student code of conduct applicable to bus riders and to discipline students for violations thereof. Consequently,
students who exhibit adverse behavior while being transported via school bus are subject to the disciplinary actions
outlined in the Discipline Decision Matrix (DDM), and Board Policy: Student Conduct on School Buses (JCDAD).
The principal/designee is responsible for ensuring all rules, procedures, policies, and state law requirements are
enforced. It is the responsibility of the Transportation Department to notify appropriate administrative staff of all
disciplinary concerns. It is the responsibility of site administration to follow the guidelines outlined in the DDM to
address the student's bus conduct. All suspensions/disciplinary actions must be entered into SAMS.
Students who do not conduct themselves properly will not be allowed to ride the bus. Students may be subjected to
disciplinary action provided by district policies, including but not limited to suspension and expulsion from school or
from the bus for misconduct on the bus. [Board Policy JCDAD, Student Conduct on School Buses]
Questions and inquiries regarding discipline should be directed to the school principal. Questions and inquiries
regarding stops, routes, and student eligibility must be directed to the director of transportation.
Proper student dress (uniforms) and adherence to the Code of Student Conduct at the appropriate class must be
maintained at all times.
Restitution for Damage to a School Bus
Students are assigned seats on the bus and are responsible for seat damage. Seat damages as a result of graffiti, cuts,
tears or other malicious damage will incur a repair fee/fine of not less than $25.00 per seat. This fee will be in
addition to suspension from the bus and must be paid before reinstatement of riding privileges. Fines not paid by the
end of a school year will carry over into the following year and must be paid before transportation privileges are
reinstated.
54
APPENDIX
Changes in State Law
Think Before You Act!

Anyone 17 years of age or older who is arrested on a felony charge will be tried as an adult.

All capital crimes or attempts to commit a capital crime by an individual 13 years old or older will be tried as
an adult.

Any felony act attempted or committed by a 13-year-old or older with the use of a deadly or illegally
concealed weapon (i.e., dirk, butcher knife, switchblade, metallic knuckles, black jack, sling shot, pistol,
revolver, machine gun, fully automatic, silencers, or the use of shotgun or rifle) will be tried as an adult.

A juvenile (13 years or older) who is in possession of a handgun will be tried as an adult.

Possession or carrying firearms or weapons on school grounds can result in a fine up to $5,000.00 and/or three
years in prison.

Names and addresses of juveniles who have been twice adjudicated for felonies or unlawful possession of a
firearm will be released to the public.

Parents, guardians, or custodians of a child may be civilly liable for any criminal act committed by the child.

Juveniles can be transferred to Circuit Court without previously going to a state training (Oakley or Columbia)
school.

Circuit (Adult) Court may include a sentence to the state prison at Parchman, Mississippi.

School officials are required to notify the appropriate law enforcement agency of any felony committed on
school grounds.

The youth court, appropriate law enforcement agency, and the Mississippi Department of Education shall be
notified when a student has been expelled from school.
Crime Stoppers Hotline
(601) 445-5000
In cooperation with the Natchez Police Department, the school district encourages any student or parent with
knowledge of a crime to call and report such information to the Crime Stoppers Hotline. Such information will be
handled in a confidential manner. Individuals making a report need not provide their name or phone number when
calling.
55
Glossary of Terms
(In Reference to the K-12 Educational Setting)
Aggravated Assault: Intentionally or knowingly causing great bodily harm or permanent disfigurement, or using a
deadly weapon.
Alcohol: The violation of board policy prohibiting the possession, sale, transfer, distribution or use (or under the
Influence) of alcoholic beverages of any amount, including, but not limited to, beer, wine or wine coolers and liquor.
Alternative School: (Grades 6-12) May be alternative to external suspension or expulsion. Students in alternative
school are not allowed to participate in school-sponsored activities. Under certain circumstances, bus transportation
to alternative school may be denied at the discretion of school authorities. Student must be suspended for at least nine
consecutive school days to attend alternative school.
Arson: Setting a fire on or in school property.
Assault: An intentional, unlawful threat by word or act to do violence to the person of another, coupled with an
apparent ability to do so, and doing some act which creates a well-founded fear in such other person that such
violence is imminently.
Battery: An actual and intentional touching or striking of another person against his/her will or intentionally causing
bodily harm to an individual.
Bomb/Explosive: Any chemical compound, mixture or device, the primary purpose which is to function by
explosion. The term “explosion” is defined as a rapid buildup of gases that overcome the structural or material
resistance of its container and a blast.
Breaking/Entering: The unlawful entry into a building or other structure or vehicle with the intent to commit a
felony or theft (Vandalism).
Bullying: Is any hurtful or aggressive act toward an individual or group that is unprovoked, intentional or repeated.
Bullying includes a real or perceived imbalance of physical power, a social network, or verbal skills that favor the
perpetrator, when a person who perceives a power imbalance, willfully subjects another person (victim) to an
intentional, unwanted and unprovoked hurtful verbal and/or physical action that results in the victim feeling
oppressed (stress, injury, discomfort).
Bullying may also occur as various forms of hazing, including initiation rites perpetrated against a new student or a
new member of a team. Bullying: Any form of aggression which involves one or more students verbally, physically,
and/or psychologically harassing another student repeatedly over a period of time.
Cheating: The act of or the intent to fraudulently deceive.
Computer Misuse: Inappropriate use including, but not limited to, breaking into restricted accounts or networks,
modifying files without permission, illegally copying software and entering or distributing inappropriate or
unauthorized files (for example, pornographic files); vandalism of computer equipment
Controlled Substance: Any medication, drug or substance that is regulated by law. Prescribed medications must be
registered and distributed by school personnel using school board procedures.
Corporal Punishment: Deliberate, intentional infliction of pain on the body of a child as a penalty for disapproved
behavior that is intended as correction or punishment.
Counseling: Discussion of behavior with the students and/or parents by a school guidance counselor or school
psychologist.
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Defiance: Blatant refusal to follow legitimate and reasonable directives.
Detention: Supervised before or after school activity; A requirement that the student report to a specified school
location and to a designated teacher or school official to make up work missed or to receive specific instruction in
behavior modification. Detention may require the student’s attendance before school, after school, or during
scheduled class or school activity time if school officials deem removal of the student from his/her regular school
schedule essential to the well being of the student or school.
Disrespect: Gross display of a lack of respect, regard or esteem toward a school board employee or agent
Disorderly Conduct: Any act which substantially disrupts the orderly conduct of a school function, behavior
substantially disrupting the orderly learning environment or poses a threat to the health, safety and/or welfare of
students and/or staff.
Drugs (excluding alcohol): Violation of the board’s prohibition of the possession, sale, transfer, or distribution of
controlled substances excluding alcohol: drugs which require a physician’s prescription or the possession of which Is
prohibited by law, or those classified as “designer drugs” under MS statutes. Also, prohibited is the sale or
distribution of any substance represented by the student to be a controlled substance, the use or any legal substance to
attain a mood-altering effect and the possession of any equipment or device for preparing or taking drugs.
Due Process: Due process is a legal term, which implies procedural fairness. Students who are accused of violating
the Code of Student Conduct will be provided with minimal due process, which includes the following steps:
a.
Tell the student what he/she is alleged to have done and mention the school rule prohibiting such action.
b.
Tell the student the evidence against him/her and hear his/her side of the story. If it becomes necessary to
pursue the matter beyond simple in-school discipline, the responsibility for assuring the student's right to
adequate due process (District Due Process Review Hearing) will be assumed by the administration.
Electronic Devices: No radios, tape players, beepers, laser pointers, electronic games, cellular phones or any
unnecessary devices deemed potentially disruptive shall be allowed at school. Students bringing any of these for a
class project must make arrangements with the teacher or assistant principal for safekeeping. The school shall not
accept the responsibility for personal property or money.
Expulsion or Change of Placement: The removal of the right and obligation of a student to attend a public school
for a period of time not to exceed the remainder of the term or school year and one additional year of attendance.
Expulsions may be imposed with or without continuing educational services.
False Fire Alarms or Bomb Threats: Intentionally activating a false fire alarm or reporting a false bomb threat.
Fighting: The intentional physical contact of an insulting or provoking nature with another person resulting in
physical injury.
Firearms: Violation of the board’s prohibition of firearms of any kind (operable or inoperable, loaded or unloaded).
Included in this list are pellet or BB guns and starter pistols. (See Weapons)
Forgery: False or misleading written communication with the intent to deceive.
Gambling: Any participation in games (or activities) of chance for money and/or other things of value.
Gang-related Activity: Any activity or behavior that indicates involvement with a gang, (for instance, hand signals,
graffiti, gang attire, wearing of colors).
57
Habitual Disruptive Behavior: Behavior, which disrupts a classroom or school, continually engaging in behavior
which jeopardizes the health, safety and welfare of others on campus, or school-sponsored transportation.
Harassment: Using repeated unwelcome remarks to annoy, demean or ridicule another.
Hazing: An organized form of bullying. Bullying is most form is an attempt to exclude a person from an activity
while hazing is often done in an attempt to complete a rite of passage into a group.
Homicide: Killing of one human being by another human being through negligence.
In-School Suspension (ISS): The temporary removal of a student from the student’s regular school program and
placement in an alternative program, under the supervision of school district personnel, for a period not to exceed ten
school days.
Kidnapping: The unlawful seizure, transportation and/or detention of a person against his or her will, or of a minor
without the consent of his or her custodial parent(s) or legal guardian.
Motor Vehicle Theft: The theft or attempted theft of a motor vehicle, including, but not limited to, cars, trucks,
motorcycles and mopeds.
Murder: The unlawful and intentional killing of one person by another.
Out-of-School Suspension: The temporary removal of a student from instruction from school and all schoolsponsored activities for a period of time not to exceed 10 days and the remanding of the student to parental custody.
Plagiarism: An act of stealing or passing off the ideas or words of another as one's own; the use of a created
production without crediting the source; literary theft; present as new and original an idea or product derived from
existing source.
Possession: For purposes of the Code of Student Conduct, possession shall be defined as the actual control or custody
of anything which may be the subject of property for one’s use. This definition shall embrace the concept of actual
possession as well as constructive vehicle, or on one’s person.
Profanity/Obscenity: Disrespectful language or gestures that are deemed vile, vulgar or debasing.
Restitution: Restoring or paying for damaged or stolen property.
Robbery/Extortion (using force): The taking, or attempting to take, anything of value under confrontational
circumstances from the control, custody or care of another person by force, or threat of force or violence and/or by
putting the victim in fear.
Sexual Battery (includes attempted): Any sexual act directed against another person, forcibly and/or against the
person’s will, or not forcibly or against the person’s will, where the victim is incapable or giving consent because of
his or her youth or because of temporary or permanent mental incapacity.
Sexual Offenses: Sexual behavior or conduct without force or threat of force and where the victim is capable of
giving consent includes, but is not limited to, consensual sexual acts, indecent exposure, obscenity and the possession
or distribution or pornographic materials.
Sexual Harassment: Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other inappropriate oral, written or
physical contact of a sexual nature when such conduct substantially interferes with a student’s academic performance
or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive school environment, including, but is not limited to, verbal harassment
58
or abuse, pressure for sexual activity, repeated remarks to a person with sexual or demeaning implication, unwelcome
or inappropriate touching or suggesting or demanding sexual involvement accompanied by implied or explicit threats.
Smoking Tobacco: Violation of board policy prohibiting the use, possession, distribution and sale of tobacco
products on school property, at school functions, on school-sponsored transportation or at extra-curricular activities.
Suspension: See Out-of-School Suspension.
Suspension (Categories):
a. External Suspension (Suspension; Out-of-School Suspension): Denial to a student of the right to attend school.
Absences will be unexcused. Students who have been externally suspended or expelled are not permitted on
any school campus or at any school function. Expelled or externally suspended students who return to school
or attend a school function while under suspension may be considered to have criminally trespassed and may
be prosecuted according to law.
b.
In-School Suspension: Temporary removal from classes by placing students in a designated area. Students
will continue to do classroom work and receive credit for completed assignments.
c.
Long-term Suspension: An out-of-school suspension of more than 10 days.
d.
School Bus Suspension: Denial of the privilege of bus transportation as the result of the safety of students,
bus drivers and/or materials being threatened. Discipline will be administered according to the Code of
Student Conduct.
e.
Parking Privilege Suspension: Parking is a privilege bestowed by permit, which can be suspended or
revoked. Suspended and expelled students are denied parking privileges for the term of their suspension.
f.
Special Education Suspensions: The school's manifestation committee determines placement decisions for
special education students.
Tardy: Late for school or class.
Theft/Larceny (Personal or school property): The unlawful taking of property from the possession of another
person.
Threat/Intimidation: Forcing another to do something, preventing another from doing something by threatening,
bullying or making him or her afraid, or making statements or acts of threat that place students, staff or facilities at
risks.
Trespassing: To enter or remain on school property without the authorization or invitation and with no lawful
purpose for entry, including student under suspension or expulsion.
Truancy: Absence without a valid excuse as identified in Board Policy JEA. Truancy also includes absence without
permission from any class, study hall or school-related activity for which a student is scheduled during the school
day.
Vandalism: The willful and/or malicious destruction, damage or defacement of public or private property without the
consent of the owner or the person having custody or control of it including, but not limited to, graffiti (Breaking and
Entering).
Weapons (Other than firearms): Violation of the board's prohibition of any pointed, sharp or blunt instrument which
has no legitimate educational purpose for the student at school and items that closely resemble weapons (look-a-likes)
59
or operate similarly, such as pellet guns, BB guns and starter pistols. Toy guns, water pistols, facsimiles or gun looka-likes that are used in a threatening or disruptive manner shall be considered weapons. Also prohibited is the use as a
weapon of any article or substance not normally considered to be a weapon, but used as a weapon, for instance, rocks,
pens, pencils, scissors, and/or laser pointers. (See Firearms)
Willful Disobedience: Defiance; Deliberate failure to follow directions given by a school board employee, agent, or
established rules and regulations of a school.
60
MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972
As Amended
Sections Referenced in the Student Handbook and Code of Student Conduct
§37-9-14. General duties and powers of superintendent of school district.
(1) It shall be the duty of the superintendent of schools to administer the schools within his district and to implement
the decisions of the school board.
(2) In addition to all other powers, authority and duties imposed or granted by law, the superintendent of schools
shall have the following powers, authority and duties:
(o)
To make such reports as are required by the State Board of Education.
(p)
To make an enumeration of educable children in his school district as prescribed by law.
(r)
To delegate student disciplinary matters to appropriate school personnel.
(u)
To comply in a timely manner with the compulsory education reporting requirements prescribed in §37-1391 (6).
(w) To notify, in writing, the parent, guardian or custodian, the youth court and local law enforcement of any
expulsion of a student for criminal activity as defined in §37-11-29.
(x)
To notify the youth court and local law enforcement agencies, by affidavit, of the occurrence of any crime
committed by a student or students upon school property or during any school-related activity, regardless of
location and the identity of the student or students committing the crime.
§37-11-18. Expulsion of student possessing controlled substance or weapon or committing a violent act on
school property.
Any student in any school who possesses any controlled substance in violation of the Uniform Controlled Substances
Law, a knife, handgun, other firearm or any other instrument considered to be dangerous and capable of causing
bodily harm or who commits a violent act on educational property as defined in §97-37-17, Mississippi Code, shall
be subject to automatic expulsion for a calendar year by the superintendent or principal of the school in which the
student is enrolled; provided, however, that the superintendent of the school shall be authorized to modify the period
of time for such expulsion on a case by case basis. Such expulsion shall take effect immediately subject to the
constitutional rights of due process, which shall include the student's right to appeal to the local school board.
§37-11-19. Suspension or expulsion of student damaging school property; liability of parent or custodian.
If any student shall willfully destroy, cut, deface, damage, or injure any school building, equipment or other school
property he shall be liable to suspension or expulsion and his parents or person or persons in loco parentis shall be
liable for all damages.
§37-11-29. Reporting of unlawful activity or violent act on educational property or during school related
activity; authority of law enforcement officers; reporting of disposition of charges against student; liability of
school personnel participating in reporting.
61
(1) Any principal, teacher or other school employee who has knowledge of any unlawful activity which occurred on
educational property or during a school related activity or which may have occurred shall report such activity to
the superintendent of the school district or his designee who shall notify the appropriate law enforcement
officials as required by this section. In the event of an emergency or if the superintendent or his designee is
unavailable, any principal may make a report required under this subsection.
(2) Whenever any person who shall be an enrolled student in any school or educational institution in this state
supported in whole or in part by public funds, or who shall be an enrolled student in any private school or
educational institution, is arrested for, and lawfully charged with, the commission of any crime and convicted
upon the charge for which he was arrested, or convicted of any crime charged against him after his arrest and
before trial, the office or law enforcement department of which the arresting officer is a member, and the justice
court judge and any circuit judge or court before whom such student is tried upon said charge or charges, shall
make or cause to be made a report thereof to the superintendent or the president or chancellor, as the case or
maybe, of the school district or other educational institution in which such student is enrolled.
If the charge upon which such student was arrested, or any other charges preferred against him are dismissed or
nol prossed, or if upon trial he is either convicted or acquitted of such charge or charges, same shall be reported to
said respective superintendent or president, or chancellor, as the case may be. A copy of said report shall be sent
to the Secretary of the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning of the State of Mississippi, at
Jackson, Mississippi.
Said report shall be made within one (1) week after the arrest of such student and within one (1) week after any
charge placed against him is dismissed or nol prossed, and within one (1) week after he shall have pled guilty,
been convicted, or have been acquitted by trial upon any charge placed against him. This section shall not apply
to ordinary traffic violations involving a penalty of less than Fifty Dollars ($50.00) and costs.
(3) When the superintendent or his designee has a reasonable belief that an act has occurred on educational property
or during a school related activity involving any of the offenses set forth in subsection (6) of this section, the
superintendent or his designee shall immediately report the act to the appropriate local law enforcement agency.
For purposes of this subsection, "school property" shall include any public school building, bus, public school
campus, grounds, recreational area or athletic field in the charge of the superintendent. The State Board of
Education shall prescribe a form for making reports required under this subsection. Any superintendent or his
designee who fails to make a report required by this section shall be subject to the penalties provided in §37-1115.
(4) The law enforcement authority shall immediately dispatch an officer to the educational institution and with
probable cause the officer is authorized to make an arrest if necessary as provided in §99-3-7.
(5) Any superintendent, principal, teacher or other school personnel participating in the making of a required report
pursuant to this section or participating in any judicial proceeding resulting there from shall be presumed to be
acting in good faith. Any person reporting in good faith shall be immune from any civil liability that might
otherwise be incurred or imposed.
(6) For purposes of this section, "unlawful activity" means any of the following:
(a) Possession or use of a deadly weapon, as defined in §97-37-1;
(b) Possession, sale or use of any controlled substance;
(c) Aggravated assault, as defined in §97-3-7;
(d) Simple assault, as defined in §97-3-7, upon any school employee;
62
(e) Rape, as defined under Mississippi law;
(f) Sexual battery, as defined under Mississippi law;
(g) Murder, as defined under Mississippi law;
(h) Kidnapping, as defined under Mississippi law; or
(i) Fondling, touching, handling, etc., a child for lustful purposes, as defined in §97-5-23.
§37-11-53. School district discipline plans; appearance by parents, guardians or custodians at discipline
conferences; recovery from parents for damage or destruction of school property; parent allowed to
accompany child to school as alternative to child's suspension.
1) A copy of the school district’s discipline plan shall be distributed to each student enrolled in the district, and the
parents, guardian or custodian of such student shall sign a statement verifying that they have been given notice of the
discipline policies of their respective school district. The school board shall have its official discipline plan and code
of student conduct legally audited on an annual basis to insure that its policies and procedures are currently in
compliance with applicable statutes, case law and state and federal constitutional provisions. As part of the first legal
audit occurring after July 1, 2001, the provisions of this section, Section 37-11-55 and Section 37-11-18.1, shall be
fully incorporated into the school district’s discipline plan and code of student conduct.
2) All discipline plans of school districts shall include, but no be limited to, the following:
(a)
A parent, guardian or custodian of a compulsory-school-age child enrolled in a public school district shall be
responsible financially for his or her minor child’s destructive acts against school property or persons;
(b)
A parent, guardian or custodian of a compulsory-school-age child enrolled in a public school district may be
requested to appear at school by the school attendance officer or an appropriate school official for a
conference regarding acts of the child specified in paragraph (a) of the subsection, or for any other discipline
conference regarding the acts of the child;
(c)
Any parent, guardian or custodian of a compulsory-school-age child enrolled in a public school who refuses
to willfully fails to attend such discipline conference specified in paragraph (b) of this section may be
summoned by proper notification by the superintendent of schools or the school attendance officer and be
required to attend such discipline conference; and
(d)
A parent, guardian or custodian of a compulsory-school-age child enrolled in a public school district shall be
responsible for any criminal fines brought against such student for unlawful activity occurring on school
grounds or buses.
(3) Any parent, guardian or custodian of a compulsory-school-age child enrolled in a school district who (a) fails to
attend a discipline conference to which such parent, guardian or custodian has been summoned under the
provisions of this section, or (b) refuses or willfully fails to perform any other duties imposed upon him or her
under the provisions of this section, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be fined not to
exceed Two Hundred Fifty Dollars ($250.00).
(4) Any public 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 the 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
such school district. However, this section shall not apply to parents whose parental control of such child has
been removed by court order or decree. The action authorized in this section shall be in addition to all other
63
actions which the school district is entitled to maintain and nothing in this section shall preclude recovery in a
greater amount from the minor or from a person, including the parents, for damages to which such minor or other
person would otherwise be liable.
(5) A school district’s discipline plan may provide that as an alternative to suspension, a student may remain in
school by having the parent, guardian or custodian, with the consent of the student’s teacher or teachers, attend
class with the student for a period of time specifically agreed upon by the reporting teacher and school principal.
If the parent, guardian or custodian 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 school district.
§37-13-91. Compulsory school attendance requirements generally; enforcement of law.
(1) This section shall be referred to as the "Mississippi Compulsory School Attendance Law."
(2) The following terms as used in this section are defined as follows:
(a)
"Parent" means the father or mother to whom a child has been born, or the father or mother by whom a child
has been legally adopted.
(b)
"Guardian" means a guardian of the person of a child, other than a parent, who is legally appointed by a
court of competent jurisdiction.
(c)
"Custodian" means any person having the present care or custody of a child, other than a parent or guardian
of the child.
(d)
"School day" means not less than five (5) and not more than eight (8) hours of actual teaching in which both
teachers and students are in regular attendance for scheduled schoolwork.
(e)
"School" means any public school in this state or any nonpublic school in this state which is in session each
school year for at least one hundred eighty (180) school days, except that the "nonpublic" school term shall
be the number of days that each school shall require for promotion from grade to grade.
(f)
"Compulsory-school-age child" means a 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 attained the age of seventeen (17) years on or
before September 1 of the calendar year; and shall include any child who has attained or will attain the age
of five (5) years on or before September 1 and has enrolled in a full-day public school kindergarten program.
Provided, however, that the parent or guardian of any child enrolled in a full-day public school kindergarten
program shall be allowed to withdraw the child from the program on a one-time basis, and such child shall
not be deemed a compulsory-school-age child until the child attains the age of six (6) years.
(g)
"School attendance officer" means a person employed by the State Department of Education pursuant to
§37-13-89.
(h)
"Appropriate school official" means the superintendent of the school district, or his designee, or, in the case
of a nonpublic school, the principal or the headmaster.
(i)
"Nonpublic school" means an institution for the teaching of children, consisting of a physical plant, whether
owned or leased, including a home, instructional staff members and students, and which is in session each
school year. This definition shall include, but not be limited to, private, church, parochial and home
instruction programs.
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(3) A parent, guardian or custodian of a compulsory-school-age child in this state shall cause the child to enroll in
and attend a public school or legitimate nonpublic school for the period of time that the child is of compulsory
school age, except under the following circumstances:
(a)
When a compulsory-school-age child is physically, mentally or emotionally incapable of attending school as
determined by the appropriate school official based upon sufficient medical documentation.
(b)
When a compulsory-school-age child is enrolled in and pursuing a course of special education, remedial
education or education for handicapped or physically or mentally disadvantaged children.
(c)
When a compulsory-school-age child is being educated in a legitimate home instruction program.
The parent, guardian or custodian of a compulsory-school-age child described in this subsection, or the parent,
guardian or custodian of a compulsory-school-age child attending any nonpublic school, or the appropriate school
official for any or all children attending a nonpublic school shall complete a "certificate of enrollment" in order to
facilitate the administration of this section.
The form of the certificate of enrollment shall be prepared by the Office of Compulsory School Attendance
Enforcement of the State Department of Education and shall be designed to obtain the following information only:
(i)
The name, address, telephone number and date of birth of the compulsory-school-age child;
(ii)
The name, address and telephone number of the parent, guardian or custodian of the compulsory-school-age
child;
(iii) A simple description of the type of education the compulsory-school-age child is receiving and, if the child
is enrolled in a nonpublic school, the name and address of the school; and
(iv) The signature of the parent, guardian or custodian of the compulsory-school-age child or, for any or all
compulsory-school-age child or children attending a nonpublic school, the signature of the appropriate
school official and the date signed.
The certificate of enrollment shall be returned to the school attendance officer where the child resides on or before
September 15 of each year. Any parent, guardian or custodian found by the school attendance officer to be in
noncompliance with this section shall comply, after written notice of the noncompliance by the school attendance
officer, with this subsection within ten (10) days after the notice or be in violation of this section. However, in the
event the child has been enrolled in a public school within fifteen (15) calendar days after the first day of the
school year as required in subsection (6), the parent or custodian may, at a later date, enroll the child in a
legitimate nonpublic school or legitimate home instruction program and send the certificate of enrollment to the
school attendance officer and be in compliance with this subsection.
For the purposes of this subsection, a legitimate nonpublic school or legitimate home instruction program shall be
those not operated or instituted for the purpose of avoiding or circumventing the compulsory attendance law.
(4) An "unlawful absence" is an absence during a school day by a compulsory-school-age child, which absence is not
due to a valid excuse for temporary nonattendance. Days missed from school due to disciplinary suspension shall
not be considered an "excused" absence under this section. This subsection shall not apply to children enrolled in
a nonpublic school.
Each of the following shall constitute a valid excuse for temporary nonattendance of a compulsory-school-age
child enrolled in a public school, provided satisfactory evidence of the excuse is provided to the superintendent of
the school district, or his designee:
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(a)
An absence is excused when the absence results from the compulsory-school-age child's attendance at an
authorized school activity with the prior approval of the superintendent of the school district, or his
designee. These activities may include field trips, athletic contests, student conventions, musical festivals
and any similar activity.
(b)
An absence is excused when the absence results from illness or injury which prevents the compulsoryschool-age child from being physically able to attend school.
(c)
An absence is excused when isolation of a compulsory-school-age child is ordered by the county health
officer, by the State Board of Health or appropriate school official.
(d)
An absence is excused when it results from the death or serious illness of a member of the immediate family
of a compulsory-school-age child. The immediate family members of a compulsory-school-age child shall
include children, spouse, grandparents, parents, brothers and sisters, including stepbrothers and stepsisters.
(e)
An absence is excused when it results from a medical or dental appointment of a compulsory-school-age
child where an approval of the superintendent of the school district, or his designee, is gained before the
absence, except in the case of an emergency.
(f)
An absence is excused when it results from the attendance of a compulsory-school-age child at the
proceedings of a court or an administrative tribunal if the child is a party to the action or under subpoena as a
witness.
(g)
An absence may be excused if the religion to which the compulsory-school-age child or the child's parents
adhere, requires or suggests the observance of a religious event. The approval of the absence is within the
discretion of the superintendent of the school district, or his designee, but approval should be granted unless
the religion's observance is of such duration as to interfere with the education of the child.
(h)
An absence may be excused when it is demonstrated to the satisfaction of the superintendent of the school
district, or his designee, that the purpose of the absence is to take advantage of a valid educational
opportunity such as travel, including vacations or other family travel. Approval of the absence must be
gained from the superintendent of the school district, or his designee, before the absence, but the approval
shall not be unreasonably withheld.
(i)
An absence may be excused when it is demonstrated to the satisfaction of the superintendent of the school
district, or his designee, that conditions are sufficient to warrant the compulsory-school-age child's
nonattendance. However, no absences shall be excused by the school district superintendent, or his designee,
when any student suspensions or expulsions circumvent the intent and spirit of the compulsory attendance
law.
(5) Any parent, guardian or custodian of a compulsory-school-age child subject to this section who refuses or
willfully fails to perform any of the duties imposed upon him or her under this section or who intentionally
falsifies any information required to be contained in a certificate of enrollment, shall be guilty of contributing to
the neglect of a child and, upon conviction, shall be punished in accordance with §97-5-39.
Upon prosecution of a parent, guardian or custodian of a compulsory-school-age child for violation of this section,
the presentation of evidence by the prosecutor that shows that the child has not been enrolled in school within
eighteen (18) calendar days after the first day of the school year of the public school which the child is eligible to
attend, or that the child has accumulated twelve (12) unlawful absences during the school year at the public
school in which the child has been enrolled, shall establish a prima facie case that the child's parent, guardian or
custodian is responsible for the absences and has refused or willfully failed to perform the duties imposed upon
him or her under this section. However, no proceedings under this section shall be brought against a parent,
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guardian or custodian of a compulsory-school-age child unless the school attendance officer has contacted
promptly the home of the child and has provided written notice to the parent, guardian or custodian of the
requirement for the child's enrollment or attendance.
(6) If a compulsory-school-age child has not been enrolled in a school within fifteen (15) calendar days after the first
day of the school year of the school which the child is eligible to attend or the child has accumulated five (5)
unlawful absences during the school year of the public school in which the child is enrolled, the school district
superintendent shall report, within two (2) school days or within five (5) calendar days, whichever is less, the
absences to the school attendance officer. The State Department of Education shall prescribe a uniform method
for schools to utilize in reporting the unlawful absences to the school attendance officer. The superintendent, or
his designee, also shall report any student suspensions or student expulsions to the school attendance officer
when they occur.
(7) When a school attendance officer has made all attempts to secure enrollment and/or attendance of a compulsoryschool-age child and is unable to affect the enrollment and/or attendance, the attendance officer shall file a
petition with the youth court under §43-21-451 or shall file a petition in a court of competent jurisdiction as it
pertains to parent or child. Sheriffs, deputy sheriffs and municipal law enforcement officers shall be fully
authorized to investigate all cases of nonattendance and unlawful absences by compulsory-school-age children,
and shall be authorized to file a petition with the youth court under §43-21-451 or file a petition or information in
the court of competent jurisdiction as it pertains to parent or child for violation of this section.
The youth court shall expedite a hearing to make an appropriate adjudication and a disposition to ensure compliance
with the Compulsory School Attendance Law, and may order the child to enroll or re-enroll in school. The
superintendent of the school district to which the child is ordered may assign, in his discretion, the child to the
alternative school program of the school established pursuant to §37-13-92.
(8) The State Board of Education shall adopt rules and regulations for the purpose of reprimanding any school
superintendents who fail to timely report unexcused absences under the provisions of this section.
(9) Notwithstanding any provision or implication herein to the contrary, it is not the intention of this section to impair
the primary right and the obligation of the parent or parents, or person or persons in loco parentis to a child, to
choose the proper education and training for such child, and nothing in this section shall ever be construed to
grant, by implication or otherwise, to the State of Mississippi, any of its officers, agencies or subdivisions any
right or authority to control, manage, supervise or make any suggestion as to the control, management or
supervision of any private or parochial school or institution for the education or training of children, of any kind
whatsoever that is not a public school according to the laws of this state; and this section shall never be construed
so as to grant, by implication or otherwise, any right or authority to any state agency or other entity to control,
manage, supervise, provide for or affect the operation, management, program, curriculum, admissions policy or
discipline of any such school or home instruction program.
House Bill 1530
An "unlawful absence" is an absence for an entire school day or during part of a school day by a compulsory-schoolage child, which absence is not due to a valid excuse for temporary nonattendance. For purposes of
reporting absenteeism under subsection (6) of this section, if a compulsory-school-age child has an absence
that is more than thirty-seven percent (37%) of the instructional day, as fixed by the school board for the
school at which the compulsory-school-age child is enrolled, the child must be considered absent the entire
school day. Days missed from school due to disciplinary suspension shall not be considered an "excused"
absence under this section. This subsection shall not apply to children enrolled in a nonpublic school.
"Minimum school term" shall mean a term of at least one hundred eighty (180) days of school in which both teachers
and pupils are in regular attendance for scheduled classroom instruction for not less than sixty-three percent
(63%) of the instructional day, as fixed by the local school board for each school in the school district.
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(i) The term "average daily attendance" shall be the figure which results when the total aggregate full-day attendance
during the period or months counted is divided by the number of days during the period or months counted
upon which both teachers and pupils are in regular attendance for scheduled classroom instruction, unless a
pupil's absence is excused due to participation in an activity authorized by the State Board of Education
under subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, less the average daily attendance for self-contained special
education classes. For purposes of determining and reporting attendance, a pupil must be present for at least
sixty-three percent (63%) of the instructional day, as fixed by the local school board for each school in the
school district, in order to be considered in full-day attendance.
(ii) The State Board of Education shall define those activities necessitating a pupil's absence that, for purposes of
determining and reporting attendance for average daily attendance purposes, must be considered an excused
absence. Such activities include, but are not limited to: official organized events sponsored by the 4-H or Future
Farmers of America (FFA); official organized junior livestock shows and rodeo events;
§37-13-92. Alternative school program for compulsory-school-age students; transportation of students;
expenses.
(1) Beginning with the school year 2004-2005, the school boards of all 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 as defined by the State Board of Education for, but not limited to, the categories of
compulsory-school-age students:
(a)
Any compulsory-school-age child who has been suspended for more than ten (10) days or expelled from
school, except for any student expelled for possession of a weapon or other felonious conduct;
(b)
Any compulsory-school-age child 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;
(c)
Any compulsory-school-age child 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; and
(d)
Any compulsory-school-age child 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.
(2) The principal or program administrator of any such alternative school program shall require verification from the
appropriate guidance counselor of any such child referred to the alternative school program regarding the
suitability of such child for attendance at the alternative school program. Before a student may be removed to an
alternative school education program, the superintendent of the student's school district must determine that the
written and distributed disciplinary policy of the local district is being followed.
The policy shall include standards for:
(a)
The removal of a student to an alternative education program that will include a process of educational
review to develop the student's individual instruction plan and the evaluation at regular intervals of the
student's educational progress; the process shall include classroom teachers and/or other appropriate
professional personnel, as defined in the district policy, to ensure a continuing educational program for the
removed student;
(b)
The duration of alternative placement; and
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(c)
The notification of parents or guardians, and their appropriate inclusion in the removal and evaluation
process, as defined in the district policy. Nothing in this paragraph should be defined in a manner to
circumvent the principal's or the superintendent's authority to remove a student to alternative education.
(3) The local school board or the superintendent shall provide for the continuing education of a student who has been
removed to an alternative school program.
(4) A school district, in its discretion, may provide a program of general educational development (GED) preparatory
instruction in the alternative school program. However, any GED preparation program offered in an alternative
school program must be administered in compliance with the rules and regulations established for such programs
under §37-35-1 through §37-35-11 and by the State Board for Community and Junior Colleges. The school
district may administer the General Educational Development (GED) Testing Program under the policies and
guidelines of the GED Testing Service of the American Council on Education in the alternative school program
or may authorize the test to be administered through the community/junior college district in which the
alternative school is situated.
(5) Any such alternative school program operated under the authority of this section shall meet all appropriate
accreditation requirements of the State Department of Education.
(6) The alternative school program may be held within such school district or may be operated by two (2) or more
adjacent school districts, pursuant to a contract approved by the State Board of Education. When two (2) or more
school districts contract to operate an alternative school program, the school board of a district designated to be
the lead district shall serve as the governing board of the alternative school program. Transportation for students
attending the alternative school program shall be the responsibility of the local school district. The expense of
establishing, maintaining and operating such alternative school program may be paid from funds contributed or
otherwise made available to the school district for such purpose or from local district maintenance funds.
(7) The State Board of Education shall promulgate minimum guidelines for alternative school programs. The
guidelines shall require, at a minimum, the formulation of an individual instruction plan for each student referred
to the alternative school program and, upon a determination that it is in a student's best interest for that student to
receive general educational development (GED) preparatory instruction, that the local school board assign the
student to a GED preparatory program established under subsection (4) of this section. The minimum guidelines
for alternative school programs shall also require the following components:
(a)
Clear guidelines and procedures for placement of students into alternative education programs which at a
minimum shall prescribe due process procedures for disciplinary and general educational development
(GED) placement;
(b)
Clear and consistent goals for students and parents;
(c)
Curricula addressing cultural and learning style differences;
(d)
Direct supervision of all activities on a closed campus;
(e)
Full-day attendance with a rigorous workload and minimal time off;
(f)
Selection of program from options provided by the local school district, Division of Youth Services or the
youth court, including transfer to a community-based alternative school;
(g)
Continual monitoring and evaluation and formalized passage from one step or program to another;
(h)
A motivated and culturally diverse staff;
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(i)
Counseling for parents and students;
(j)
Administrative and community support for the program; and
(k)
Clear procedures for annual alternative school program review and evaluation.
(8) On request of a school district, the State Department of Education shall provide the district informational material on
developing an alternative school program that takes into consideration size, wealth and existing facilities in
determining a program best suited to a district.
(9) Any compulsory-school-age child who becomes involved in any criminal or violent behavior shall be removed from
such alternative school program and, if probable cause exists, a case shall be referred to the youth court.
(10) The State Board of Education shall promulgate guidelines for alternative school programs which provide broad
authority to school boards of local school districts to establish alternative education programs to meet the specific
needs of the school district.
§37-15-9. Requirements for enrollment of children in public schools.
(1) Except as provided in subsection (2) and subject to the provisions of subsection (3) of this section, no child shall be
enrolled or admitted to any kindergarten which is a part of the free public school system during any school year
unless such child will reach his fifth birthday on or before September 1 of said school year, and no child shall be
enrolled or admitted to the first grade in any school which is a part of the free public school system during any
school year unless such child will reach his sixth birthday on or before September 1 of said school year. No student
shall be permanently enrolled in a school in the State of Mississippi who formerly was enrolled in another public or
private school within the state until the cumulative record of the student shall have been received from the school
from which he transferred. Should such record have become lost or destroyed, then it shall be the duty of the
superintendent or principal of the school where the student last attended school to initiate a new record.
(2) Subject to the provisions of subsection (3) of this section, any child who transfers from an out-of-state public or
private school in which that state's law provides for a first-grade or kindergarten enrollment date subsequent to
September 1, shall be allowed to enroll in the public schools of Mississippi, at the same grade level as their prior
out-of-state enrollment, if:
(a)
The parent, legal guardian or custodian of such child was a legal resident of the state from which the child is
transferring;
(b)
The out-of-state school from which the child is transferring is duly accredited by that state's appropriate
accrediting authority;
c)
Such child was legally enrolled in a public or private school for a minimum of four (4) weeks in the previous
state; and
(d)
The superintendent of schools in the applicable Mississippi school district has determined that the child was
making satisfactory educational progress in the previous state.
(3) When any child applies for admission or enrollment in any public school in the state, the parent, guardian or child, in
the absence of an accompanying parent or guardian, shall indicate on the school registration form if the enrolling
child has been expelled from any public or private school or is currently a party to an expulsion proceeding. If it is
determined from the child's cumulative record or application for admission or enrollment that the child has been
expelled, the school district may deny the student admission and enrollment until the superintendent of the school,
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or his designee, has reviewed the child's cumulative record and determined that the child has participated in
successful rehabilitative efforts including, but not limited to, progress in an alternative school or similar program. If
the child is a party to an expulsion proceeding, the child may be admitted to a public school pending final
disposition of the expulsion proceeding. If the expulsion proceeding results in the expulsion of the child, the public
school may revoke such admission to school. If the child was expelled or is a party to an expulsion proceeding for
an act involving violence, weapons, alcohol, illegal drugs or other activity that may result in expulsion, the school
district shall not be required to grant admission or enrollment to the child before one (1) calendar year after the date
of the expulsion.
§37-15-13. Assignment of child enrolling in public schools to particular school or attendance center generally.
When any child qualified under the requirements of §37-15-9 shall apply or present himself for enrollment in or
admission to the public schools of any school district of this state, the school board of such school district shall have the
power and authority to designate the particular school or attendance center of the district in which such child shall be
enrolled and which he shall attend; no enrollment of a child in a school shall be final or permanent until such
designation shall be made by said school board. No child shall be entitled to attend any school or attendance center
except that to which he has been assigned by the school board; however, the principal of a school or superintendent of
the district may, in proper cases, permit a child to attend a school temporarily until a permanent assignment is made by
the school board.
§43-21-451. Commencement of formal proceedings.
All proceedings seeking an adjudication that a child is a delinquent child, a child in need of supervision, a neglected
child or an abused child shall be initiated by the filing of a petition. Upon authorization of the youth court, the petition
shall be drafted and filed by the youth court prosecutor unless the youth court has designated some other person to draft
and file the petition. The petition shall be filed within five (5) days from the date of a detention hearing or shelter
hearing continuing custody. Unless another period of time is authorized by the youth court or its designee, in noncustody cases the petition shall be filed within ten (10) days of the court order authorizing the filing of a petition. The
court may, in its discretion, dismiss the petition for failure to comply with the time schedule contained herein.
§97-3-7. Simple assault; aggravated assault; domestic violence.
(1) A person is guilty of simple assault if he (a) attempts to cause or purposely, knowingly or recklessly causes bodily
injury to another; or (b) negligently causes bodily injury to another with a deadly weapon or other means likely to
produce death or serious bodily harm; or (c) attempts by physical menace to put another in fear of imminent serious
bodily harm; and, upon conviction, he shall be punished by a fine of not more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00)
or by imprisonment in the county jail for not more than six (6) months, or both. However, a person convicted of
simple assault (a) upon a statewide elected official, law enforcement officer, fireman, emergency medical
personnel, public health personnel, social worker or family protection specialist or family protection worker
employed by the Department of Human Services or another agency, youth detention center personnel. training
school juvenile care worker, any county or municipal jail officer, superintendent, principal, teacher or other
instructional personnel, school attendance officer, school bus driver, or a judge of a circuit, chancery, county,
justice or youth court or a judge of the Court of Appeals or a justice of the Supreme Court, district attorney, legal
assistant to a district attorney, county prosecutor, municipal prosecutor, court reporter employed by a court, court
administrator, clerk or deputy clerk of the court, or public defender, while such statewide elected official, judge or
justice, law enforcement officer, fireman, emergency medical personnel, public health personnel, social worker,
superintendent, principal, teacher or other instructional personnel, school attendance officer, school bus driver,
district attorney, legal assistant to a district attorney, county prosecutor, municipal prosecutor, court reporter
employed by a court, court administrator, clerk or deputy clerk of the court, or public defender is acting within the
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scope of his duty, office or employment, or (b) upon a legislator while the Legislature is in regular or extraordinary
session or while otherwise acting within the scope of his duty, office or employment, shall be punished by a fine of
not more than One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) or by imprisonment for not more than five (5) years, or both.
(2) A person is guilty of aggravated assault if he (a) attempts to cause serious bodily injury to another, or causes such
injury purposely, knowingly or recklessly under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to the value of
human life; or (b) attempts to cause or purposely or knowingly causes bodily injury to another with a deadly
weapon or other means likely to produce death or serious bodily harm; and, upon conviction, he shall be punished
by imprisonment in the county jail for not more than one (1) year or in the Penitentiary for not more than twenty
(20) years. However, a person convicted of aggravated assault (a) upon a statewide elected official, law
enforcement officer, fireman, emergency medical personnel, public health personnel, a social worker, family
protection specialist, family protection worker employed by the Department of Human Services or another agency,
youth detention center personnel, training school juvenile care worker, any county or municipal jail officer,
superintendent, principal, teacher or other instructional personnel, school attendance officer, school bus driver, or a
judge of a circuit, chancery, county, justice, municipal or youth court or a judge of the Court of Appeals or a justice
of the Supreme Court, district attorney, legal assistant to a district attorney, county prosecutor, municipal
prosecutor, court reporters employed by a court, court administrator, clerk or deputy clerk of the court, or public
defender, while such statewide elected official, judge or justice, law enforcement officer, fireman, emergency
medical personnel, public health personnel, social worker, family protection specialist, family protection worker,
youth detention center personnel, training school juvenile care worker, any county or municipal jail officer,
superintendent, principal, teacher or other instructional personnel, school attendance officer, school bus driver,
district attorney, legal assistant to a district attorney, county prosecutor, municipal prosecutor, court reporter
employed by a court, court administrator, clerk or deputy clerk of the court, or public defender is acting within the
scope of his duty, office or employment, or (b) upon a legislator while the Legislature is in regular or extraordinary
session or while otherwise acting within the scope of his duty, office or employment, (c) upon a person who is
sixty-five (65) years of age or older or a person who is a vulnerable adult as defined in Section 43-47-5, shall be
punished by a fine of not more than Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) or by imprisonment for not more than
thirty (30) years, or both.
§97-3-97. Sexual battery; definitions.
For purposes of §97-3-95 through §97-3-103 the following words shall have the meaning ascribed herein unless the
context otherwise requires:
(b) A "mentally defective person" is one who suffers from a mental disease, defect or condition which renders that
person temporarily or permanently incapable of knowing the nature and quality of his or her conduct.
(c) A "mentally incapacitated person" is one rendered incapable of knowing or controlling his or her conduct, or
incapable of resisting an act due to the influence of any drug, narcotic, anesthetic, or other substance administered
to that person without his or her consent.
(d) A "physically helpless person" is one who is unconscious or one who for any other reason is physically incapable of
communicating an unwillingness to engage in an act.
§97-5-23. Touching, handling, etc., child, mentally defective or incapacitated person or physically helpless
person.
(1) Any person above the age of eighteen (18) years, who, for the purpose of gratifying his or her lust, or indulging his
or her depraved licentious sexual desires, shall handle, touch or rub with hands or any part of his or her body or any
member thereof, any child under the age of sixteen (16) years, with or without the child's consent, or a mentally
defective, mentally incapacitated or physically helpless person as defined in §97-3-97, shall be guilty of a felony
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and, upon conviction thereof, shall be fined in a sum not less than One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) nor more
than Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00), or be committed to the custody of the State Department of Corrections not
less than two (2) years nor more than fifteen (15) years, or be punished by both such fine and imprisonment, at the
discretion of the court.
(2) Any person above the age of eighteen (18) years, who, for the purpose of gratifying his or her lust, or indulging his
or her depraved licentious sexual desires, shall handle, touch or rub with hands or any part of his or her body or any
member thereof, any child younger than himself or herself and under the age of eighteen (18) years who is not such
person's spouse, with or without the child's consent, when the person occupies a position of trust or authority over
the child shall be guilty of a felony and, upon conviction thereof, shall be fined in a sum not less than One
Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) nor more than Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00), or be committed to the custody of
the State Department of Corrections not less than two (2) years nor more than fifteen (15) years, or be punished by
both such fine and imprisonment, at the discretion of the court. A person in a position of trust or authority over a
child includes without limitation a child's teacher, counselor, physician, psychiatrist, psychologist, minister, priest,
physical therapist, chiropractor, legal guardian, parent, stepparent, aunt, uncle, scout leader or coach.
(3) Upon a second conviction for an offense under this section, the person so convicted shall be punished by
commitment to the State Department of Corrections for a term not to exceed twenty (20) years, however, upon
conviction and sentencing, the offender shall serve at least one-half (½) of the sentence so imposed.
§97-31-7. Alcoholic preparations; permit to solicit or take orders.
No person, firm or corporation, or any association whatsoever, except traveling salesmen engaged in selling exclusively
to wholesale and retail merchants shall sell, barter or give away or keep for such purposes, or solicit or take orders
therefore, any of the preparations, compounds, bitters, elixirs or extracts mentioned in §97-31-5, until a permit so to do
shall be granted by the mayor and board of aldermen or mayor and councilmen of any incorporated city, town or village
within which said business is or may be proposed to be carried on, or the board of supervisors of the county if the same
is or proposed to be carried on without corporate limits of any city, town or village. Such permits may be granted by
said authorities upon written application of the person, firm or corporation desiring to deal in such preparation, and the
permit, if granted, shall be in writing, shall be spread at large upon the minutes of the proceedings of the mayor and
board of aldermen or councilmen or the board of supervisors, as the case may be, giving the name of the dealer, or
dealers, the preparation or commodities which it covers, and shall be for a period of one year from the date of its being
granted. The granting of a permit to any person, firm or corporation, to barter, sell, give away, keep for sale, or solicit
orders for the sale of same shall be in the discretion of the mayor and board of aldermen or councilmen or the board of
supervisors, as the case may be, and they shall likewise have full authority and power, in their discretion, to revoke the
same.
§97-37-1. Deadly weapons; carrying while concealed; use or attempt to use; penalties.
(1) Except as otherwise provided in §45-9-101, any person who carries, concealed in whole or in part, any Bowie knife,
dirk knife, butcher knife, switchblade knife, metallic knuckles, blackjack, slingshot, pistol, revolver, or any rifle
with a barrel of less than sixteen (16) inches in length, or any shotgun with a barrel of less than eighteen (18) inches
in length, machine gun or any fully automatic firearm or deadly weapon, or any muffler or silencer for any firearm,
whether or not it is accompanied by a firearm, or uses or attempts to use against another person any imitation
firearm, shall upon conviction be punished as follows:
(a)
By a fine of not less than One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) nor more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00), or
by imprisonment in the county jail for not more than six (6) months, or both, in the discretion of the court, for
the first conviction under this section.
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(b)
By a fine of not less than One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) nor more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00), and
imprisonment in the county jail for not less than thirty (30) days nor more than six (6) months, for the second
conviction under this section.
(c)
By confinement in the custody of the Department of Corrections for not less than one (1) year nor more than
five (5) years, for the third or more convictions under this section.
(d)
By confinement in the custody of the Department of Corrections for not less than one (1) year nor more than
ten (10) years for any person previously convicted of any felony who is convicted under this section.
(2) It shall not be a violation of this section for any person over the age of eighteen (18) years to carry a firearm or
deadly weapon concealed in whole or in part within the confines of his own home or his place of business, or any
real property associated with his home or business or within any motor vehicle.
(3) It shall not be a violation of this section for any person to carry a firearm or deadly weapon concealed in whole or in
part if the possessor of the weapon is then engaged in a legitimate weapon-related sports activity or is going to or
returning from such activity. For purposes of this subsection, "legitimate weapon-related sports activity" means
hunting, fishing, target shooting or any other legal sports activity which normally involves the use of a firearm or
other weapon.
§97-37-15. Parent or guardian not to permit minor son to have or carry weapon; penalty.
Any parent, guardian or custodian who shall knowingly suffer or permit any child under the age of eighteen (18) years
to have or to own, or to carry concealed, in whole or in part, any weapon the carrying of which concealed is prohibited,
shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and, on conviction, shall be fined not more than One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00),
and shall be imprisoned not more than six (6) months in the county jail. The provisions of this section shall not apply to
a minor who is exempt from the provisions of § 97-37-14.
§97-37-17. Possession of weapons by students; aiding or encouraging.
(1) The following definitions apply to this section:
(a)
"Educational property" shall mean any public or private school building or bus, public or private school
campus, grounds, recreational area, athletic field, or other property owned, used or operated by any local
school board, school, college or university board of trustees, or directors for the administration of any public or
private educational institution or during a school related activity; and shall include the facilities and property of
Oakley and Columbia juvenile training schools operated by the Department of Human Services; provided,
however, that the term "educational property" shall not include any sixteenth section school land or lieu land
on which is not located a school building, school campus, recreational area or athletic field.
(b)
"Student" shall mean a person enrolled in a public or private school, college or university, or a person who has
been suspended or expelled within the last five (5) years from a public or private school, college or university,
or a person in the custody of the Oakley or Columbia juvenile training schools operated by the Department of
Human Services, whether the person is an adult or a minor.
(c)
"Switchblade knife" shall mean a knife containing a blade or blades which open automatically by the release of
a spring or a similar contrivance.
(d)
"Weapon" shall mean any device enumerated in subsection (2) or (4) of this section.
(2) It shall be a felony for any person to possess or carry, whether openly or concealed, any gun, rifle, pistol or other
firearm of any kind, or any dynamite cartridge, bomb, grenade, mine or powerful explosive on educational
property. However, this subsection does not apply to a BB gun, air rifle or air pistol. Any person violating this
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subsection shall be guilty of a felony and, upon conviction thereof, shall be fined not more than Five Thousand
Dollars ($5,000.00), or committed to the custody of the State Department of Corrections for not more than three (3)
years, or both.
(3) It shall be a felony for any person to cause, encourage or aid a minor who is less than eighteen (18) years old to
possess or carry, whether openly or concealed, any gun, rifle, pistol or other firearm of any kind, or any dynamite
cartridge, bomb, grenade, mine or powerful explosive on educational property. However, this subsection does not
apply to a BB gun, air rifle or air pistol. Any person violating this subsection shall be guilty of a felony and, upon
conviction thereof, shall be fined not more than Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00), or committed to the custody of
the State Department of Corrections for not more than three (3) years, or both.
(4) It shall be a misdemeanor for any person to possess or carry, whether openly or concealed, any BB gun, air rifle, air
pistol, Bowie knife, dirk, dagger, slingshot, leaded cane, switchblade knife, blackjack, metallic knuckles, razors and
razor blades (except solely for personal shaving), and any sharp-pointed or edged instrument except instructional
supplies, unaltered nail files and clips and tools used solely for preparation of food, instruction and maintenance on
educational property. Any person violating this subsection shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction
thereof, shall be fined not more than One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00), or be imprisoned not exceeding six (6)
months, or both.
(5) It shall be a misdemeanor for any person to cause, encourage or aid a minor who is less than eighteen (18) years old
to possess or carry, whether openly or concealed, any BB gun, air rifle, air pistol, Bowie knife, dirk, dagger,
slingshot, leaded cane, switchblade, knife, blackjack, metallic knuckles, razors and razor blades (except solely for
personal shaving) and any sharp-pointed or edged instrument except instructional supplies, unaltered nail files and
clips and tools used solely for preparation of food, instruction and maintenance on educational property. Any
person violating this subsection shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be fined not
more than One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00), or be imprisoned not exceeding six (6) months, or both.
(6) It shall not be a violation of this section for any person to possess or carry, whether openly or concealed, any gun,
rifle, pistol or other firearm of any kind on educational property if:
(a)
The person is not a student attending school on any educational property;
(b)
The firearm is within a motor vehicle; and
(c)
The person does not brandish, exhibit or display the firearm in any careless, angry or threatening manner.
(7) This section shall not apply to:
(a)
A weapon used solely for educational or school-sanctioned ceremonial purposes, or used in a school-approved
program conducted under the supervision of an adult whose supervision has been approved by the school
authority;
(b)
Armed forces personnel of the United States, officers and soldiers of the militia and National Guard, law
enforcement personnel, any private police employed by an educational institution, State Militia or Emergency
Management Corps and any guard or patrolman in a state or municipal institution, when acting in the discharge
of their official duties;
(c)
Home schools as defined in the compulsory school attendance law, §37-13-91;
(d)
Competitors while participating in organized shooting events;
(e)
Any person as authorized in §97-37-7 while in the performance of his official duties;
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(f)
Any mail carrier while in the performance of his official duties; or
(g)
Any weapon not prescribed by §97-37-1 which is in a motor vehicle under the control of a parent, guardian or
custodian, as defined in §43-21-105, which is used to bring or pick up a student at a school building, school
property or school function.
(8) All schools shall post in public view a copy of the provisions of this section.
(b)
By a fine of not less than One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) nor more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00), and
imprisonment in the county jail for not less than thirty (30) days nor more than six (6) months, for the second
conviction under this section.
(c)
By imprisonment in the State Penitentiary for not less than one (1) year nor more than five (5) years, for the
third or more convictions under this section.
(d)
By imprisonment in the State Penitentiary for not less than one (1) year nor more than five (5) years for any
person previously convicted of any felony who is convicted under this section.
(9) It shall not be a violation of this section for any person over the age of eighteen (18) years to carry a firearm or
deadly weapon concealed in whole or in part within the confines of his own home or his place of business, or any
real property associated with his home or business or within any motor vehicle.
(10) It shall not be a violation of this section for any person to carry a firearm or deadly weapon concealed in whole or
in part if the possessor of the weapon is then engaged in a legitimate weapon-related sports activity or is going to
or returning from such activity. For purposes of this subsection, "legitimate weapon-related sports activity" means
hunting, fishing, target shooting or any other legal sports activity which normally involves the use of a firearm or other
weapon.
§99-3-7. When arrests may be made without warrant.
(1) An officer or private person may arrest any person without warrant, for an indictable offense committed, or a
breach of the peace threatened or attempted in his presence; or when a person has committed a felony, though not in his
presence; or when a felony has been committed, and he has reasonable ground to suspect and believe the person
proposed to be arrested to have committed it; or on a charge, made upon reasonable cause, of the commission of a
felony by the party proposed to be arrested. And in all cases of arrests without warrant, the person making such arrest
must inform the accused of the object and cause of the arrest, except when he is in the actual commission of the offense,
or is arrested on pursuit.
(2) Any law enforcement officer may arrest any person on a misdemeanor charge without having a warrant in his
possession when a warrant is in fact outstanding for that person's arrest and the officer has knowledge through official
channels that the warrant is outstanding for that person's arrest. In all such cases, the officer making the arrest must
inform such person at the time of the arrest the object and cause therefore. If the person arrested so requests, the warrant
shall be shown to him as soon as practicable.
(3) (a) Any law enforcement officer shall arrest a person with or without a warrant when he has probable cause to
believe that the person has, within twenty-four (24) hours of such arrest, knowingly committed a misdemeanor which is
an act of domestic violence or knowingly violated provisions of an ex parte protective order, protective order after
hearing or court-approved consent agreement entered by a chancery, circuit, county, justice or municipal court pursuant
to the Protection from Domestic Abuse Law,
§93-21-1 through §93-21-29, Mississippi Code of 1972, or a restraining order entered by a foreign court of competent
jurisdiction to protect an applicant from domestic violence as defined by §97-3-7 that requires the person to refrain
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from further abuse or threats of abuse, to absent himself from a particular geographic area, or prohibit such person from
being within a specified distance of another person or persons.
(b) If a law enforcement officer has probable cause to believe that two (2) or more persons committed a misdemeanor
which is an act of domestic violence as defined herein, or if two (2) or more persons make complaints to the officer, the
officer shall attempt to determine who was the principal aggressor. The term principal aggressor is defined as the party
who poses the most serious ongoing threat, or who is the most significant, rather than the first, aggressor. The officer
shall presume that arrest is not the appropriate response for the person or persons who were not the principal aggressor.
If the officer affirmatively finds more than one (1) principal aggressor was involved, the officer shall document those
findings.
(c) To determine who is the principal aggressor, the officer shall consider the following factors, although such
consideration is not limited to these factors:
i.
ii.
iii.
Evidence from the persons involved in the domestic abuse;
The history of domestic abuse between the parties, the likelihood of future injury to each person and the intent
of the law to protect victims of domestic violence from continuing abuse;
Whether one (1) of the persons acted in self-defense; and
iv.
Evidence from witnesses of the domestic violence.
v.
(d) A law enforcement officer shall not base the decision of whether to arrest on the consent or request of the victim.
(e) A law enforcement officer's determination regarding the existence of probable cause or the lack of probable cause
shall not adversely affect the right of any party to independently seek appropriate remedies.
(4) (a) Any person authorized by a court of law to supervise or monitor a convicted offender who is under an intensive
supervision program may arrest the offender when the offender is in violation of the terms or conditions of the intensive
supervision program, without having a warrant, provided that the person making the arrest has been trained at the Law
Enforcement Officers Training Academy established under §45-5-1 et seq., or at a course approved by the
Board on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Training.
(b) For the purposes of this subsection, the term "intensive supervision program" means an intensive supervision
program of the Department of Corrections as described in §47-5-1001 et seq.,or any similar program authorized by a
court for offenders who are not under jurisdiction of the Department of Corrections.
(5) As used in subsection (3) of this section, the phrase "misdemeanor which is an act of domestic violence" shall
mean one or more of the following acts between current or former spouses, persons living as spouses or who formerly
lived as spouses, other persons related by consanguinity or affinity who reside or formerly resided together, persons
who have a current or former dating relationship, or persons who have a biological or legally adopted child together:
(a) Simple domestic violence within the meaning of §97-3-7;
(b) Disturbing the family or public peace within the meaning of §97-35-9, §97-35-11, §97-35-13 or
§97-35-15; or
(c) Stalking within the meaning of §97-3-107.
(7) A law enforcement officer shall not be held liable in any civil action for an arrest based on probable cause and in
good faith pursuant to subsection (3) of this section, or failure, in good faith, to make an arrest pursuant to subsection
(3) of this section.
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Notification of Rights under FERPA
for Elementary and Secondary Schools
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents and students over 18 years of age
("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 of the day the School receives a
request for access.
Parents or eligible students should submit to the school principal [or appropriate school official] a written request
that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect. The 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 rights to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the parent or eligible student
believes are inaccurate.
Parents or eligible students may ask the School to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate. They should
write the School principal [or appropriate school official], clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and
specify why it is inaccurate. 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 advise them of their right to a hearing regarding
the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent or
eligible student when notified of the right to a hearing.
(3) The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student's education
records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.
One exception, which permits disclosure without consent, is disclosure to school officials with legitimate
educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the School as an administrator, supervisor, instructor,
or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel); a person serving on the
School Board; a person or company with whom the School has contracted to perform a special task (such as an
attorney, auditor, medical consultant, or therapist); or a parent or student serving on an official committee, such as a
disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks.
A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to
fulfill his or her professional responsibility.
[Optional] Upon request, the School discloses education records without consent to officials of another school
district in which a student seeks or intends to enroll. [NOTE: FERPA requires a school district to make a reasonable
attempt to notify the parent or student of the record’s request unless it states in its annual notification that it intends to
forward records on request.]
(4) The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the School
District to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA are:
Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20202-5901
[Note: In addition, a school or institution may want to include its directory information public notice, as required
by §99.37 of the regulations, with its annual notification of rights under FERPA.]
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References to State Law
In an effort to prevent the escalation of school violence, the Mississippi Legislature has enacted several laws which
severely impact the responsibilities of both parents and students. This section of the handbook is designed to highlight
some of these laws.
Parental Responsibilities
According to state law, if any student shall willfully destroy, cut, deface, or damage, any school building,
equipment or other school property, s/he shall be liable for suspension or expulsion and the parents/guardians shall be
liable for all damages.
A parent, guardian, or custodian of a compulsory school-age student enrolled in a public school district may be
requested to appear at school by an appropriate school official for a conference regarding the student's disciplinary
problems or destructive acts against school property or persons. Any parent, having been summoned by proper
notification by the superintendent, or designee, shall be required to attend such discipline conference. A parent,
guardian, or custodian of a compulsory school-age student who willfully fails to attend a disciplinary conference may
be guilty of a misdemeanor and fined up to $250.00.
A parent, guardian, or custodian of a compulsory school-age student enrolled in a public school district shall be
responsible for any criminal fines brought against the student for unlawful activity occurring on school grounds as
defined in §37-11-29 Mississippi Code. Unlawful activity means any of the following:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Possession or use of a deadly weapon.
Aggravated assault.
Possession, sale, or use of any controlled substance.
Kidnapping.
Simple assault upon any school employee.
Rape, sexual battery, or murder.
Fondling, touching, or handling a minor for lustful purposes.
A parent, guardian, or custodian of a compulsory school-age student enrolled in a public school district who refuses
or willfully fails to perform any of the duties imposed upon him/her under the provisions of this section of state law
shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and, upon conviction, shall be fined an amount not to exceed $3,500.00.
A public school district is entitled to recover damages in an amount not to exceed $20,000.00, plus necessary court
costs from the parents of any minor child between the ages of 7 and 17 who maliciously and willfully damages or
destroys property belonging to the school district. This section of the law does not apply to parents whose parental
control of such child has been removed by court order or decree. These damages are in addition to any other recovery.
Legal References: §37-11-19, 37-11-53, 97-37-1, 97-3-7, 37-11-29, 37-11-59, Mississippi Code.
Automatic Expulsion
Any student in any school who possesses any controlled substance in violation of the Uniform Control Substances
Law, a knife, handgun, other firearm, or any other instrument considered to be dangerous and capable of causing bodily
harm or who commits a violent act on school property shall be subject to automatic expulsion for one calendar year.
Such expulsion shall take effect immediately subject to the constitutional rights of due process. However, the
superintendent may, in conjunction with the school board, modify the period of time on a case-by-case basis. §37-11-18
Mississippi Code.
Reporting Requirements for Unlawful Activity
Any school employee who has knowledge of any unlawful activity which occurred or may have occurred on
educational property or during a school-related activity must report such activity to the superintendent, or designee,
who shall notify the appropriate law enforcement officials. The principal may make the report if the superintendent or
designee is unavailable.
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When the superintendent, or designee, has a reasonable belief that an act has occurred on educational property or
during a school-related activity involving the possession or use of a deadly weapon, possession, sale or use of any
controlled substance, aggravated assault, simple assault of a school employee, rape, sexual battery, murder, kidnaping,
or fondling, touching or handling a minor child with lustful purposes, the superintendent, or designee, shall immediately
report the act to the appropriate law enforcement agency. School property shall include any public school building, bus,
public school campus, grounds, recreational area, or athletic field. Reports required under this law shall be made on a
form prescribed by the Mississippi Department of Education. §37-11-29 Mississippi Code.
The law enforcement agency shall immediately dispatch an officer to the educational institution and with probable
cause, the officer is authorized to make an arrest. §37-11-29 Mississippi Code.
Any superintendent, principal, teacher, or other school employee who participates in the making of the required
report or who participates in any judicial proceeding resulting there from is presumed to be acting in good faith. Any
person reporting an act in good faith shall be immune from any civil liability that might otherwise be incurred or
imposed. §37-11-29 Mississippi Code.
A superintendent, or designee, must notify, in writing, the parents, guardians or custodian, the youth court, and the
local law enforcement agency(ies) of any expulsion or a student for criminal activity as defined in § 37-11-29
Mississippi Code. The superintendent, or designee, must also notify the youth court and local law enforcement agencies
by affidavit of the commission of any crime by a student who committed the crime. §37-9-14 Mississippi Code.
Law enforcement agencies, judges, and courts must notify the superintendent of the school district when a student
is arrested, or lawfully charged with, or convicted of a crime. If the charge upon which the student was arrested or any
other charges against him/her are dismissed, or if upon trial, the student is either convicted or acquitted, this disposition
shall also be reported to the superintendent of the school district. The report must be made within one (1) week after the
arrest, dismissal, conviction, or acquittal. This reporting requirement does not apply to ordinary traffic violations
involving a fine of less than $50.00. §37-11-29 Mississippi Code.
The law enforcement report to the school district must contain the student's name, address, and school, place, date,
and time of arrest, the charge against the student, the bail status, and disposition, if any. §37-11-31 Mississippi Code.
Enrollment of Suspended or Expelled Student
When any student applies for admission or enrollment in any public school, the parent, guardian or student must
indicate on the school's registration form if s/he has been expelled from any public or private school or is currently a
party to an expulsion proceeding.
If the cumulative record or application for admission or enrollment shows that the student has been expelled, the
school district may deny the student admission until the superintendent, or designee, has reviewed the cumulative
record and determine that the student has participated in successful rehabilitative efforts including, but not limited to,
progress in an alternative school or similar program.
If the student were expelled or is a party to an expulsion proceeding for an act which involves violence, weapons,
alcohol, illegal drugs, or other activity that may result in expulsion, the school district shall not be required to grant
admission or enrollment to the student before one (1) year after the date of the expulsion. §37-15-9 Mississippi Code.
The school board has the authority and power to designate or assign the particular school or attendance center of
the school district in which the student is to be enrolled and attend. §37-15-13 Mississippi Code.
Release of Law Enforcement Records
Law enforcement records of students taken into custody for committing a felony or offense involving the use or
possession of a dangerous weapon may be released to appropriate school officials, upon written request by the school
district, without a court order.
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Prohibition of Weapons on School Property
All schools must post in public view a copy of §97-37-17 Mississippi Code. The following definitions apply to §97-3717:
1.
"Educational property" is defined as a public or private school building, bus, campus grounds,
recreational area, athletic field, or other property owned, used, or operated by any local school board;
educational property does not include any sixteenth section or lieu land on which is not located a school
building, school campus, recreational area, or athletic field.
2.
"Student" is defined as a minor or adult who is enrolled in a public or private school, college, or
university, or a person who has been suspended or expelled within the last five (5) years from a public or
private school, college, or university.
3.
It shall be a felony for any person to possess or carry, either openly or concealed, a gun, rifle, pistol or
other firearm of any kind, any dynamite cartridge, bomb, grenade, mine or powerful explosive on
educational property. Conviction carries a fine of up to $5,000.00, imprisonment for three years, or both.
Possession of a BB gun, air rifle, or air pistol is not a felony.
4.
It is also a felony for any person to cause, encourage, or aid a minor who is less than 18 years old to
possess or carry, either openly or concealed, any gun, rifle, pistol or other firearm of any kind, or any
dynamite cartridge, bomb, grenade, mine or powerful explosive on educational property. The penalty is a
fine up to $4,000.00, imprisonment for three years, or both. BB guns, air rifles, or air pistols are not
included.
5.
A "misdemeanor" is defined as the crime of any person possessing or carrying, either openly or
concealed, any BB gun, air rifle, air pistol, Bowie knife, dirk, dagger, sling shot, leaded cane,
switchblade knife, blackjack, metallic knuckles, razors, or razor blades (except solely for personal
shaving) and any sharp-pointed or edged instrument except instructional supplies, unaltered nail files and
clips and tools used solely for preparation of food, instruction, and maintenance on educational property.
A person who violates this subsection of the law shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction
shall be fined not more than $1,000.00 or imprisoned for six (6) months, or both.
6.
It is also a misdemeanor for any person to cause, encourage, or aid a minor who is less than 18 years old
to carry any of the foregoing enumerated weapons. Any person who violates this section shall be fined up
to $1,000.00, imprisoned for six (6) months, or both. §97-37-17 Mississippi Code.
Exceptions to the violations specified in § 97-37-17 include weapons used solely for educational or schoolsanctioned ceremonial purposes, carried by persons as are authorized by law, kept in a home school, used in organized
shooting events, as well as certain non-prohibited weapons in vehicles under parental control and used to transport a
student and carried, concealed in whole or in part, if going or returning from a legitimate weapon-related sports activity.
§97-37-17 Mississippi Code.
A parent may be guilty of a misdemeanor and fined up to $1,000.00, imprisoned for six (6) months, or both for
knowingly allowing a student under the age of 18 to have, own, or carry a concealed weapon, unless otherwise
exempted by law. §97-37-15 Mississippi Code.
Expulsion of student possessing controlled substance or weapon or committing a violent act on school
property. §37-11-18 Mississippi Code.
Any student who possesses controlled substances, a weapon or commits a violent act on campus may be expelled
for up to a calendar year but grants the superintendent’s discretion in modifying the period of expulsion. The student
must be afforded due process. This is what most people refer to as the “Zero Tolerance Statute.” It is the reference
statute for policies regarding weapons on campus and the board may initiate policy for mandatory expulsion or
modification at its discretion, as long as due process is afforded the student. Also, it is interesting to note that the U.S.
Department of Education has issued guidance that to not expel the student is the exception. They are encouraging the
states to report districts that are not compliant with the Gun Free Schools Act of 1994. Special education students may
be suspended or expelled, if it is reflected in their IEP. In accordance with this guidance, MDE is required to report any
district not in compliance with this statute. Such reporting may jeopardize federal funding available to the district.
The superintendent or his designee must immediately report to law enforcement agencies when there is a
reasonable belief that an unlawful activity has occurred on school property or during a school activity. The
superintendent or his designee may be fined up to $1,000.00, jailed for six months, or both, for failure to report. When a
report is received, law enforcement must immediately dispatch an officer and an arrest may be made if there is probable
cause. §37-11-29 Mississippi Code.
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Youth Court Authority
A delinquent act now includes violations of the Compulsory Attendance Law, Uniform Control Substance Law,
violent behavior and those acts which if committed by an adult would not be punishable by life imprisonment or death.
§43-21-105 Mississippi Code. In delinquency cases, the judge may order several actions including placement in a
wilderness training program, a youth challenge program, or a state training school if the child is over the age of ten.
82