ROLLA JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL

 

Principal: Dr. Tori Snitker

Assistant Principal: Mrs. Chelsea  Johnson

 

Counselors:

Mrs. Nickie Thessen, Eighth Grade

Mr. Jeremy Jamison, Seventh Grade

 

1360 Soest Road

Rolla, MO 65401

 

Telephone: 573-458-0130

Counselors: 573-458-0131

Attendance: 573-458-0132 

Fax: 573-458-0135

 

For the Junior High Website click here.

 

Dear Students & Parents/Guardians,

 

It is my honor and a pleasure to welcome you to the 2025/2026 school year! I hope you all have had a relaxing and fun summer break. I am extremely proud to serve as the Principal of this amazing learning community for the 3rd year, and to continue to support the students of Rolla Junior High!  We will continue to believe in our NOBLE theme, which stands for Ninja Work-Ethic, Outstanding Academics, Bold School Spirit, Legendary Leaders, and Excellent Attitudes. As a school, we will be infusing all of these concepts in all that we do. We also believe in our slogan “Bravery Begins Where Comfort Ends”.  With that said, the Rolla Junior High staff are excited to kick this year off in true BULLDOG style!

I would like to welcome all of our new families.  We are excited to share with you all that Rolla Junior High has to offer, and believe you will soon feel as we do; that RJH is a special place for all children. Our educators, support staff, families, and other education partners are ready to welcome you into Bulldog Nation.

Our teachers and staff are eager to see the incoming 8th graders again, while meeting the new students to begin this year’s journey with them. The dedicated staff at RJH has been working tirelessly to finalize curriculum, engage in professional learning opportunities, update our instructional models, and finalize class routines and expectations.  All with the goal of fostering academic success, and a true sense of connectedness and belonging for our students. Our primary goal is to ensure student proficiency in all academic subjects.  Therefore, we will continue to refine Tier I instruction, analyze data, conduct peer observations, and review classwork in order to guide instruction and intervention. In addition to academics, we have a goal to ensure 100% of our students are engaged in some type of club, sport, or extracurricular activity.  We are looking to offer a wide range of diverse activities for our students, as research shows that involved students are successful students.  We will work together to create a solid foundation for our students so that they have the opportunity to become self-directed learners, collaborative teammates, critical thinkers, and responsible citizens. We will continue to offer intervention services through Academic Seminar, Academic Support, counseling when appropriate, and the implementation of Tier II and Tier III strategies.

I look forward to the start of the new school year and continuing our collaboration of providing your children with an effective and engaging educational experience. As always, we will look to our families to be positive partners in their children’s educational journey. The RJH staff has always, and will always, make it a priority of working together with our parents/guardians as a caring and compassionate learning community with professionalism, teamwork, action, and expertise. We commit daily to put the best interests of our students at the center of our purpose. Join us in ensuring the success of all Rolla Junior High students. Our goal by the time your student leaves RJH is that the “Whole of the Child” is served! (See graphic on the next page)

As always, my door is open and our team welcomes your input. Please feel free to contact me via email at tsnitker@rolla31.org, or call to make an appointment to speak with me to discuss any ideas you feel will make this the best year yet!

Best Regards,

Dr. Snitker

Principal

Mission:

 

“Bravery Begins Where Comfort Ends”

We will choose courage over comfort every day!

 

Vision:

 

“The Whole Child”

Every aspect of our students are important to us!

 

Rolla Public Schools Mission Statement:

 

The mission of the Rolla School District is to provide an educational environment for students to nurture their intellect and character to help develop their physical, social, and artistic abilities so that they are well rounded individuals who are prepared to be lifelong learners and productive citizens that fully participate in our democracy.

 

The Rolla School District No. 31 does not discriminate against any student on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, or disability.  Inquiries regarding the implementation of this policy should be directed to the principal.  If unresolved, the student or parents may appeal to the district compliance coordinator (Assistant Superintendent-Human Resources or Instruction/Special Services).  Policies AC-F1, AD, IGBA, JFH

 

Removal of any pupil who is a student with a disability is subject to state and federal procedural rights as provided for in the Rolla 31 School District Discipline Policy.

 

Rolla Public School District Policies can be obtained by clicking here.

 

Rolla School District Report Card can be obtained by clicking here.

 

The Principal’s Office is the place to transact school business and every student is welcome for that purpose.  Students are to remain in front of the counter as you conduct your business quietly and in an orderly manner.  If you need to speak with Dr. Snitker or Mrs. Johnson, leave your name with the secretary and they will see you as soon as they can.  Office hours are 7:15 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

 

 

The Attendance Office is located in the Principal’s office.  Students that are entering school after 8:00 AM must check in with the attendance secretary before going to class.  Parents are required to call the attendance office phone number (573-458-0132) to report an absence.

 

Mrs. Rachelle (Nickie) Thessen, eighth-grade counselor, and Mr. Jeremy Jamison, seventh-grade counselor, are available to assist students with academic planning.  The counselors are also available to help any students who may encounter obstacles that interfere with learning.  It is highly desirable for each student to know his/her counselor well and to call upon that counselor for assistance when help is needed.  Parents are encouraged to contact the counselor for sharing of information about their child; the Guidance Office telephone number is 458-0131.  Students may stop by the Guidance Office before or after school or between classes to schedule appointments with their counselor.

 

The library will be open each day from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.  Students are welcome to visit the library at any time it is open.  Those using the library during class hours must have a pass from their class.  The library staff is available to give assistance in learning how to use the library, to help find materials, and to suggest good books to read.  

 

Students are allowed to check out most materials for two weeks and are allowed to renew items if other students have not requested them.  Students can also reserve books that have been checked out to other students.  Reference materials are primarily for use in the library but maybe borrowed overnight when necessary.  The computers in the library are for class-related use, and students must have a specific assignment to use the Internet.  Students checking out materials are responsible for returning them.  The student will be expected to pay replacement value for materials that are lost or damaged.

 

 

We encourage parents to take an active interest in their child’s education.  The principals, counselors, and teachers are available to meet with parents to discuss each student’s educational progress.  

 

Organized Parent-Teacher Conferences will occur in October and March each year.  You will be notified by the school of the day and time

 

1st Period: 8:00 - 8:49

2nd Period: 8:53 - 9:42

3rd Period: 9:46 - 10:35

1st Lunch: 10:35 - 11:03

1st Lunch Class: 11:07 - 12:00

2nd Lunch Class Part 1: 10:39 - 11:03

2nd Lunch: 11:07 - 11:31

2nd Lunch Class Part 2: 11:35 - 12:00

3rd Lunch Class: 10:39 - 11:31

3rd Lunch: 11:35 - 12:00

Bulldog Blitz Time: 12:04 - 12:31

5th Period: 12:35 - 1:24

6th Period: 1:28 - 2:17

7th Period: 2:21 - 3:10

 

Rolla Public Schools takes advantage of every resource available to allow parents and employees to find out whether or not the school will be in session.  As soon as a decision is made, several radio and television stations are contacted, an announcement is posted on the District’s website, a message is recorded on the District’s voice mail (573-458-0101) as well as a school messenger message will be sent via text message & email.  The following media outlets will be contacted with announcements of cancellation or early dismissal:

 

Radio:  KTTR/KZNN (1490 AM/105.3 FM), KKID (92.9 FM), KDAA (97.5 FM), KFLW (98.9), KJEL/KBNN (103.7 FM/750 AM), KLWT/KCLQ (1230 AM/107.9 FM), Y107, 

SUNNY 104.5 TV:  KOLR-10, KYTV-3, KRCG-13, KDNL-17,, KOMU-8, KTVI-2, KSDK-5, KMOV-4

Assemblies can be enjoyable experiences as well as invaluable additions to the educational program.  At all times student behavior should be responsible and respectful. Each student is personally responsible for the impression made by the student body as a whole.  Students will be called to the assembly by class and will be expected to sit with their teacher.  Teachers and their classes are assigned specific areas of the bleachers. 

The cafeteria opens daily at 7:30 am.We offer multiple options at lunch including a Salad bar, Sub bar (2 days a week) and option of purchasing extras (entrees, fruits/vegt, snacks, drinks,etc), and all meet the National School Breakfast/Lunch Program guidelines. All snack items for sale are in accordance with our district’s wellness policy.

 

Please apply online by clicking here. 

Returning students must apply before the cutoff date in September or meals will automatically be charged at full price.  Payment will be due for any meal charges accrued prior to application approval.  

 

Daily Meal Prices for the 2025/26 school year are:  

*May be subject to change

*Breakfast - TBD

*Lunch - TBD

 

 

Make Online Payments – set up your account with My School Bucks by clicking here.

All parents/guardians are encouraged to open an online account. Its free features will help you to monitor your student’s cafeteria account: low-balance email alerts, current balance, transaction and purchase history. A convenience fee applies only when making a payment.

 

Send cash or check with your child.

Please write your student’s name and ID # in the memo section of your check. Cash payments received from students will be deposited in full to their account. Change will not be available during the meal lines. Students should make deposits during breakfast. 

 

Students may charge meal purchases only. The charge limit is $12.30

Cashiers alert students as their balance drops and when a charge is made to their account. In addition, School Meal Balance Notifications are sent by email to parents with email information on file. You may initially need to release these items from your Spam/Junk folder. Payment is due the following day. Students must bring the money once the limit is reached, or parents should provide their student with meals from home. If not, students will receive an alternate lunch  (peanut butter/jelly sandwich, cheesestick and milk ) at no cost .   Students cannot charge extra entrees, snacks, drinks,etc, only full meals.  All theft, of any form, will be reported to the school administrators.

 

All cafeteria balances automatically roll over at the end of the year.

Your student’s balance transfers with them to the next grade level and district school.

 

Refund Checks

For balances of $5 or more, please call 458-0100 (ext. 11110). Leave a message with your name, phone number, and your new mailing address. Any fees owed will be deducted first. Checks will be mailed.  Please allow 4-6 weeks for processing.

 

 

Students with health issues requiring special dietary needs must submit a completed Medical Statement for Student Requiring Special Meals form to the school nurse before any meal accommodations will be considered. The form must state the medical reason, list the food(s) to be omitted, name substitutions, and be signed by the child’s doctor and a parent or guardian. Updated forms will be required when changes to the information on file are necessary. USDA guidelines obligate public schools to furnish substitutions only for those dietary issues which are deemed disabling or severe and only when the required documentation has been submitted. The nurse will notify the cafeteria staff when a completed form is submitted. Appropriate meal replacements may be provided as directed by the Dept. of Elem. & Secondary Education (DESE) and/or as indicated by the child’s doctor. Forms are available from the school nurse and on the district website.

 

To find monthly menus, online payment information, and more please click here.

 

The following regulations are to be observed by students being respectful, responsible, and ready to eat.

1. All students are to report to the cafeteria at the beginning of their lunch period.  When dismissed from class, report quietly and do not run.  Students are to leave book bags in their lockers. 
2. Students are expected to take their place in line starting at the kitchen serving area entrance.  Students at the front of the lunch line are to wait for the cooks to tell them they are ready for them to enter the serving area. Students may pick and choose from various entrées and drink choices and place them on their tray.  All food items students select are to be put on a tray and shown to the cashier. Students may not return food that has been already taken by them and placed on their tray.
3. Display respectful and responsible dining room standards at the table.  No food or objects are to be thrown.  When finished eating, trays are to be placed in the tray window and waste discarded in the waste containers.
4. Students are to pick a seat and remain seated in that seat during the lunch period.  Students may request to use the restroom by asking permission from supervisory staff on duty
5. Students are not permitted to leave the cafeteria after eating lunch until the table they are seated at is dismissed by a staff member that has checked to ensure all food and trash have been removed from the table and floor.
6. Visitors are not permitted in the cafeteria without prior approval from the principal's office.  Parents may come to have lunch in the entrance foyer with their child only during the student’s lunch period.
7. All theft, of any form, will be reported to the school administrators.

 

Cafeteria expectations could be subject to changes.

(Policy ADF)

Students and Parents that bring food to school to share with students need to check to see that the food will meet the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) school meal and Smart Snacks in School (Smart Snacks) nutrition standards.

 

Students may not bring visitors to the school during the regular school day. But, of course, parents are welcome to visit the school as long as they are not ill.  Parents should call the school 24 hours in advance when possible to schedule visits.  It is required that building visitors report to the principal’s office upon arrival at school to receive a visitor’s badge

 

Unfortunately, illness and injury occur at school.  Students must request permission and have a signed pass to leave class and go to the nurses’ office.  

Parents/guardians will be notified when warranted.  DO NOT CALL OR TEXT PARENTS WITHOUT COMING TO THE NURSE’S OFFICE FIRST.

Students vomiting or having diarrhea at school will be sent home under the direction of the school nurse.  Whenever possible, the medication should be scheduled to be taken at home.  When dosing is required during the school day, consult the nurse to ensure continued proper medication administration.  

 

(Policy JHC)

Students will be health screened for Vision, Hearing, Physical Growth, and Scoliosis.  These screenings will be conducted by the school nurse and information about which screenings and when the screenings will occur will be provided by the nurse at registration. Parents will also be provided with information to excuse students from screenings if needed.  Refer to RPS District Policy JHC for more information by clicking here.

(Policy JHCF)

The purpose of this policy is to create an organized system for preventing and responding to allergic reactions. This policy is not a guarantee of an allergen-free environment; instead, it is designed to increase awareness, provide education and training, reduce the chance of exposure, and outline responses to allergic reactions. The best form of prevention for life-threatening allergies is the avoidance of the allergen.

 

Research shows that allergies can negatively impact student achievement by affecting concentration, auditory processing, and attendance. Further, healthy students are better learners. In addition to posing health risks, allergies can be potentially deadly for some individuals.

 

This policy applies to district facilities to which students have access and includes transportation provided by the district. The Board instructs the superintendent or designee to develop procedures to implement this policy. Refer to Policy JHCF-AP1 on the district website for more information or by clicking here.

(Policy JHCD) 

All medications must be checked in with the school nurse before they can be taken at school.  The nurse is available to administer medications to Jr. High students if requested by a parent/guardian.  A written permission slip is required.

• Jr. High school students may not self-administer their own medications after the nurse receives written parental permission (see the nurse for the necessary form).
• Students are not allowed, under any circumstances, to share medications with another student.  This includes both prescription and non-prescription medications.
• Medical Marijuana and Cannabidiol (CBD) Oil The district does not permit the possession or administration of marijuana or marijuana-infused products for medicinal purposes on district property or at district events since these products are prohibited under federal law.

 

The statements listed above are not all-inclusive.  If you have any questions regarding administering medication at school, please talk to the school nurse (458-0130, extension 13020) or obtain a complete policy statement from the nurse’s office.

Additional information found by clicking here.

 

 

Students are not to leave the building or school grounds without obtaining permission from the attendance office and signing out.  Students will only be released to a parent or an emergency contact on the child’s record.  To check out a student, parents must show identification. 

In the event of a need for early dismissal from school, the student should bring a note from a parent to the attendance office before the start of school or have the parent telephone the attendance office.  The student will be issued an early dismissal slip, which is to be presented to the teacher at the time of dismissal.  Students are to sign out in the office upon leaving school and sign in upon returning to school.  

Leaving school without permission is considered truancy.

 

 

A telephone is located on the counter in the Principal’s/or Assistant Principal’s Office for student use.  The use of this phone is limited to before school, lunch, after school, and during passing periods.  Students will not be permitted to make telephone calls during class time without a signed pass.  Students will only be called from class to accept phone calls in the event of an emergency.  Phone messages are delivered by mass all-call at the end of each class period.  

 

Students will be listed as tardy if they are not in the classroom when the bell rings.  

 

Students are allowed 4 (four) total tardies without school penalty per quarter, although individual teachers may impose in-class sanctions upon tardy students.  Consequences will occur for the 5^th tardy and beyond.  

If a student arrives late to school, he or she shall report to the attendance office to have a pass signed before being sent to class. Arriving at school late counts as a tardy and is counted toward the four tardies allowed. 

 

Students who are late to class due at the request of a teacher or administrator should ask them to sign a pass before proceeding to class.  Students can purchase the removal of one tardy per quarter by presenting Five (5) Bulldog Bucks to the assistant principal’s office.

Students who are withdrawing from school should have their parents call or send a note to the Guidance Office.  At least one week’s notice prior to the withdrawal date is requested when possible.  The student will be issued a withdrawal form which is to be signed by the individual teachers, verifying that textbooks and materials have been returned to the proper location.

 

Seventh-grade students will enroll in seven hours of classes.  Required courses include English, Reading, Social Studies, Math, and Science.  Students are also required to take one semester of physical education, one-quarter of computer literacy, and one-quarter of health.  Elective courses to complete the seven hours include Art, Band, Choir, Family & Consumer Science, Geography, Industrial Technology, Gateway to Technology, Life Skills & Leadership, and Quest.

 

Eighth-grade students will enroll in seven hours of classes.  Required courses include English, Social Studies, Math, and Science.  Students are also required to take one semester of physical education, one-quarter of career pathways, and one-quarter of health.  Elective courses to complete the seven hours include Art, Band, Jazz Band, Business & Money, Choir, Family & Consumer Science, Industrial Technology, Creative Dramatics, Geography, Current Events, Video Production, Gateway to Technology, Life Skills & Leadership.

Most courses within the junior high school curriculum have no specific requirements, which must be met before a student can enroll.  However, some classes do have prerequisites in order to ensure that students have mastered the skills which are necessary to successfully complete the courses.  A listing of all courses and prerequisites is contained in the Course Description Handbook which each student receives during pre-enrollment in January. 

 

Progress reports will be at 3-week intervals throughout each quarter to notify parents of those students who are not achieving at an acceptable level of performance.  Students receiving a D or F Grade will receive a progress report to take home.  Teachers may also utilize letters, telephone calls, e-mail, Parent Portal, and conferences to inform parents of their child’s progress.  Parents are encouraged to visit the school, E-mail, or telephone teachers at school (458-0130) if they have questions about their child’s performance.  

 

Students who have an F in a class will be required to attend Academic Seminar, either before or after school.  Academic Seminar will run from 3:10 - 4:00 PM after school, and 7:30 - 7:53 AM in the library in the morning.  Teachers will be available for one-on-one help. 

 

Additionally, Saturday School will also be utilized to help students increase their classroom grades. Students with 3 or more F’s will be required to attend until all grades are brought up.

 

Lastly, students who cannot bring all grades up to passing will be required to take Academic Support.  They will be taken from an elective and placed in this study hall environment for daily one-on-one help.

 

Tier 1 Academic Seminar:

For any student with a failing grade (<60% or an F). Students will be expected to stay until their grade is raised to passing or above. 

 

Tier 2 Saturday Academy:

For any student with a failing grade (<60% or an F). Students will be expected to stay until their grade is raised to passing or above. 

 

Tier 3 Academic Support:

For students with continuous failing grades.

 

*Note: Academic Support is not a study hall. Students will be pulled from an elective to attend this in order to help them with their studies.

 

Infinite Campus Parent Portal is a web-based program that is made available to all parents allowing access to pertinent information about their student’s attendance, grades, homework assignments, and much more.  If you have any questions or problems, please contact the office at 458-0131.

 

Grade reports will be issued to students at the end of each quarter, which consists of approximately nine weeks of school.  The following grades will be used in all classes at Rolla Junior High School: A -excellent; B - superior; C - average; D - below average; F -failing; and P - credit issued.  Students in the eighth grade Accelerated Algebra should be aware that semester grades will be included on their high school transcripts to determine eventual class rank upon graduation from high school.  These grades are calculated on a four-point scale (A=4, B=3, etc.).

 

Progress through the grades is a matter of achievement in the basic skills as well as age, maturation, social and civic development.  Students are expected to successfully complete each of their classes in order to be promoted to the next grade.  Students who have received failing grades in two or more of their classes may be considered for retention.  Parents who are concerned about their child’s progress should contact their child’s counselor or the principal for a conference.

 

Textbooks will be furnished to students at the beginning of the year and are to be returned to the teachers at the end of the course with only reasonable wear and tear.  If a textbook is damaged, stolen or lost, the student will be assessed a fine or charged the replacement cost of the book.  Report cards may be withheld until all fines are paid.  Students also will not be permitted to enroll in school the following year until all fines from the previous year are paid.  Students enrolled in family & consumer science, industrial arts and gateway to technology classes may be assessed a materials fee but will be permitted to keep any articles constructed during the course.

 

Students are expected to dress out and participate in a physical education class.  The following equipment is required:  gym shoes and gym clothes.  Gym clothes must be different from the clothes they wore to school.  Students can wear shorts or sweats and a t-shirt.  Shorts should be of modest length.

 

(Policy JFCA-AP1)

 

The administration of the Rolla Public Schools expects that student dress, grooming, and personal appearance will be subject to the following guidelines:

1. Dress, personal appearance, and grooming must be clean and comport with appropriate health, safety, and sanitation standards.
2. Student’s dress, personal appearance, and grooming must not materially disrupt or detract from the educational environment or to constitute a threat to the health or safety of the students or others.
3. All students must wear shoes, boots, or other acceptable footwear.  Footwear should be tied, fastened, or buckled.  Roller skates or Heelys are not allowed.
4. Metal or chain belts or swags can be used as weapons and, thus, shall not be worn.  Likewise, dangerous jewelry, such as spiked or studded collars or bracelets is prohibited.
5. ONLY BALL CAPS may be worn in the building.  Proper etiquette with ball caps is expected.  They should be removed during the Pledge of Allegiance and the playing of the National Anthem. Additionally, students may be asked to remove them for safety purposes in PE, Shop, or other classes.  Hoods, bandanas, or other types of headgear (or sunglasses) shall not be worn at RJH. If the ball caps become a distraction to the learning environment, students will be asked to hand them over to a teacher, and disciplinary action could occur.  
6. Printed words or pictures on clothing or accessories that advertise, connote, or suggest (including any innuendo alluding to such) drugs, tobacco and/or alcohol use shall not be worn.
7. Printed words or pictures on clothing or accessories that contain, connote, or suggest (including any innuendo alluding to such) sexual violence, obscene, or profane matters are prohibited.
8. Proper athletic attire shall be worn in physical education classes.  Gym shoes should be worn for P.E. class, and metal toe or heel taps are not permitted.
9. Students shall not wear shorts or leggings that expose or reveal undergarments.   Shorts should also cover the buttocks when standing, sitting, or walking up stairs.  Shorts should be of an appropriate length.
10. Student tops, blouses, shirts, etc., must have sleeves that are at least three finger-widths wide. No bra or spaghetti strap. Off the Shoulder shirts must have a three finger-wide top underneath. Tops cannot show cleavage. In addition, students shall not wear mesh or transparent shirts, or any shirt that exposes the midriff, clothing with tears or holes in inappropriate regions, or severely sagging clothing.  Furthermore, a student's shirt must naturally meet the top of their bottoms to not expose the belly.  Also, clothing that exposes undergarments shall not be worn.
11. Gang-related clothing and accessories, as defined in the District’s policy regarding gangs, shall not be worn.
12. Additional dress regulations may be imposed upon students participating in certain extracurricular activities.

         

If a student’s clothes or accessories fail to comply with these regulations, the student will be required to change or cover the clothing or accessory at issue or to remove the accessory.  A student may be sent home in order to do so.  Similarly, a student whose personal appearance or grooming fails to comply with these guidelines will be required to bring such personal appearance or grooming into compliance. A student may also be sent home in order to do so.  Refusal to comply with the district’s dress policy and these guidelines will result in the student being prohibited from attending class until the student achieves compliance.  Violations will also result in detention, suspension, or other appropriate disciplinary action.   No employee or volunteer shall direct a student to remove an emblem, insignia, or garment, including a religious emblem, insignia, or garment, as long as it is worn in a manner that does not promote disruptive behavior. (Board Policy JFCA-AP(1) revised 09/04/07).

 

 

Each student will be assigned a hall locker and a physical education locker.  Use only the locker that has been assigned to you and keep it locked at all times; if a P.E. lock is lost, you will be required to pay for it.  If you have problems with your locker or lock, notify the Guidance Office promptly so it can be repaired or replaced.  Do not give your locker combination to any other person and do not tamper with other lockers.  

 

If you have a need to change lockers during the year, notify the Guidance Office of your request.  Do not change lockers on your own, because you are responsible for your assigned locker; and when you are absent and need your textbooks, we need to know where they are located.  

Lockers are not to be decorated on the outside for any reason due to the damage that occurs to the outside of the locker.

 

 

The student’s main purpose of attending school is to obtain the best education possible.  Our school protects the right of students to learn without interference from others; consequently, certain rules are necessary so that the school and classrooms will operate in an orderly and effective manner.  Common classroom courtesies expected are:

• Upon entering the classroom, take your seat promptly and quietly.
• Come to class prepared, with a textbook, paper, pen or pencil, and assignments, leaving book bags in your locker.  String bags are allowed.  Large backpacks are not permitted.
• Food in the classroom is up to the discretion of the teacher, but should not cause extra work for custodians.  Please clean up after yourself. Additionally, open containers of drinks cannot be in the hallways. Water is allowed in the classroom, but soda is up to the discretion of the teacher.
• Speaking out when another has the floor is both rude and unfair.
• The class will be dismissed by the teacher, not the bell.
• Remember, the teacher is in charge and any reasonable request by a teacher shall be obeyed.
• Cheating on an assignment, and plagiarism,  are not allowed at all.  If a student is caught doing either, they will be given a zero on the whole assignment.  A discipline referral will also be sent to administration.

 

1. The sale of any item is prohibited other than for approved school fund-raising activities.
2. Rubber bands, projectile shooting instruments, water guns, and water balloons are prohibited on school premises.
3. Cell phones are not permitted for students at RJH.  They should be on silent and stored in the student’s string bag from the time they enter the building until they leave. They can also put them in their locker when the 7:53 AM bell rings.  Personal electronic devices (earbuds/headphones, smartwatches) are not allowed to be out during the day at any time unless approved by the teacher for assignments/projects.  Again, cellphones and any electronic device must be silenced and kept in a hall locker, or in their string backpack during the school day.
4. If there are cancellations of ball games or activities, students will be allowed to use their cellphone at that time to notify parents.

From time to time some students find it difficult to follow rules that are made to ensure the most benefit for the greatest number.  Students disobeying school rules will be disciplined in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct which is located in the Appendix or as prescribed by the building administration.

 

 

Students are expected to conduct themselves in a respectful manner at all times.  Having arms around one another, holding hands, or kissing are considered improper in the school setting.  Students engaging in the public display of affection in a manner deemed excessive by school officials will be counseled; and further instances of such behavior may result in parent conferences and/or disciplinary action.

 

 

Students assigned to detention will be required to meet the following responsibilities:

1. Report to the assigned room before 3:15.  Detention begins at 3:15 and ends at 4:00 p.m.
2. Bring school work with you or a book to read when assigned work is completed.
3. Do not talk without permission; raise your hand and wait for the teacher to acknowledge you.
4. Students are not to have Cell Phones or Electronics in the detention room.
5. Do not bring food, drink or gum to detention.
6. Failure to attend after school detention will result in further disciplinary action.

 

Saturday School is an attempt to deal with and modify unacceptable behavior while at the same time causing minimal disruption to the educational process.  It can be assigned by the administration for minor infractions in lieu of out of school suspension.  Saturday School will be held on Saturday between the hours of 8:00 and 2:00 p.m.  The session will be held in the assigned room at the Rolla Junior High School and supervised by a certified staff member of the Rolla School District.  Transportation is the responsibility of the student.  No meals will be served.  The following rules apply:

1. All students will report before or at 8:00 a.m. to the main entrance and are to check in with the detention supervisor.
2. Failure to attend Saturday detention will result in suspension using the following ratio:
   1. 1-2 hours of assigned detention – 1 day ISS or OSS.
   2. 3-4 hours of assigned detention – 2 days ISS or OSS.
   3. 5-6 hours of assigned detention – 3 days ISS or OSS.
3. Students will be expected to bring class assignments and/or approved reading materials.  Students who do not bring materials to work on will be assigned homework by the supervisor.
4. Students will not be allowed to go to their lockers.
5. No portable music devices will be allowed.
6. No sleeping, talking, eating, drinking, and/or unacceptable behavior will be allowed in Saturday School.  Student handbook rules will apply.  Students not adhering to the rules will be sent home after an attempt at parent notification.
7. No visitors will be allowed.
8. No telephone calls will be made without the permission of the supervisor.  No cell phone use during Saturday School is permitted.
9. Students will be dismissed each hour on the hour after completion of their assigned detention.
10. Students assigned past 12:00 (noon) will be given a 15-minute break to eat if they have brought a meal.
11. Students are required to complete the assigned hours of detention.  The consequences of leaving Saturday Detention early will result in a school suspension corresponding to the original number of hours assigned.
12. Postponement of Saturday detention due to inclement weather occurs when the NWS issues a travel advisory for Rolla area the morning of detention.
13. Saturday detention dates may be changed only by parent/administrator conference.  Students’ employment, family trips, appointments, etc. are not reasons to miss or reassign detention.  Please enter the building at the main office entrance.  Be sure to bring classroom assignments to work on and have your ride here promptly at your dismissal time.

 

The purpose of In-School Suspension is to continue educating students who would otherwise be suspended from the school program. ISS provides a means of discipline and instruction which has a positive effect on teachers, students, and parents.

 

ISS is an In-School Suspension program designed to provide an alternative to out-of-school suspension for students with specific disciplinary issues.  Students are assigned to In-School Suspension (ISS) by the assistant principal or principal.  Violation of school district policy regarding the use of drugs, alcohol, safe school violations, repeated occurrences of behavior such as classroom disruption, disrespect to staff, and others will still result in out-of-school suspension.

 

ISS consists of three basic elements: isolation, positive learning atmosphere, and academic assistance.  The in-school suspension program provides a high degree of structure to the student’s school day.  The students will bring all materials for the entire day, as they will complete assignments in the ISS classroom as assigned by their teachers.  The student will not be allowed to leave the classroom except for supervised restroom breaks and to eat lunch.  Violation of the program rules will result in additional consequences. 

 

Students assigned ISS will not be allowed to attend extra-curricular events until completion of their assigned discipline. That includes the day of.

 

 

A student may be temporarily suspended from school for major disciplinary problems as determined by the principal or assistant principal.  Students are not permitted to attend school functions or be on any Rolla Public Schools campus during their out-of-school suspension, including after school and weekend events. 

 

Students assigned OSS will not be allowed to attend extra-curricular events until completion of their assigned discipline. That includes the day of.

 

Additionally, students will only receive 50% credit for their work during their OSS completion.

 

 

The right to inspect student lockers or articles carried upon their persons is inherent in the authority granted school boards and administrators and must be exercised so as to assure parents that the school, in exercising the in loco parentis relationship with their children, will employ every safeguard to protect the well-being of those children.  The exercise of that authority places unusual demands upon the judgment of school officials, whose primary purpose is to provide the best teaching and learning environment for children.  The search of school lockers, and in some instances students, is necessary to assist in preserving discipline and good order and to promote the safety and security of persons and their property within the area of educational responsibility.  In fulfilling its duties, school personnel will exercise maximum effort to: protect each student’s constitutional rights, his or her rights to personal privacy, and to provide protection from coercion by others; emphasize that schools are educational and not penal, correctional, or custodial institutions; and resolve doubts where possible in favor of the student.

 

Students suspected of being in violation of school policy may be requested to submit to voluntary personal searches. Searches of personal possessions such as bags, purses, coats and electronic devices or other personal possessions may occur within accordance with law. Students may be required to submit to a drug or alcohol test if there is reasonable suspicion that the student has consumed a prohibited substance.  Students who refuse to submit to a voluntary search may be referred to appropriate law enforcement authorities if such action is deemed appropriate by the principal.

School lockers, desks, computers and other district-provided equipment are the property of the Board of Education and are provided for the convenience of students and, as such, are subject to periodic inspection without notice.  At any time a reasonable suspicion exists to believe that a student is in violation of school policy, the principal or designee shall have the right to search, without notice, that student’s locker.  In addition, the school principal or his designee shall from time to time, but in no event less than one time per semester, conduct random searches of school lockers, endeavoring to search a minimum of ten percent of the total lockers in the school. Dogs may be used to indicate the presence of alcohol, drugs or other substances. If an illegal article is found, school administrators shall call on the Rolla Police Department for assistance in the investigation.  Any student found to be in violation of school policy shall be subject to disciplinary actions in accordance with the provisions of school regulations and may be turned over to local law enforcement.

 

 

The school building is open to students at 7:15 a.m. and that is when the supervision of students begins.  STUDENTS ARE ALLOWED ONLY IN THE CAFETERIA, UNTIL THE FIRST A.M. BELL; at that time students will be allowed into all areas of the building.  Students are not to be in the hallways during class time without obtaining permission and signing out from the classroom with a pass from the teacher.  During passing periods students are to move briskly to their destination without running or horseplay and to obey any instructions of teachers.  Do not block hall traffic by standing in groups; walk on the right side of the corridors and steps.  Please be considerate of the building appearance and place trash in the waste containers provided.  Our building is in beautiful condition, but it will take everyone’s work to keep it that way.

     Students who ride a bus home after school are to wait for the bus in the cafeteria.  Students remaining in the school building after 3:15 p.m. who are not working with a teacher are to wait in the front foyer or west end car circle.  Students are not permitted in the building after 3:30 p.m. when supervision ends unless meeting with a teacher or attending a school activity. The district will not be responsible for supervising students outside the stated times.

 

 

Students who ride bicycles to school should follow established traffic patterns.  No bicycles or skateboards are to be ridden on campus.  Bikers should walk their bicycles to the bike rack which is located at the east end of the building.  Students are encouraged to lock their bikes to the bike rack. 

 

Students should be very careful with their possessions and only bring items to school that are necessary.  The school is not responsible for lost or stolen items.  Students should put their names in ink on their possessions so they may be identified if lost.  Students who have missing items are asked to complete a missing items report in the Assistant Principals Office.  Items found by students should be turned into the office immediately.  Lost articles can be claimed in the Assistant Principal’s office before or after school or between classes.

 

Delivery of flowers or gifts at school will not be accepted in the office.  Flowers or balloons should be delivered to the student’s home.  Gift giving for Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or other days should be a personal thing and that can best occur at home.  We would appreciate your cooperation with this request.

 

 

Many activities are available to students, including but not limited to Student Council, Band, Choir, Art Club, Drama Club, Math Counts, Robotics Club, Technology Student Association, NJHS, and FCCLA..  Students are encouraged to participate in  activities which provide opportunities for invaluable experiences.  Students who participate in extra-curricular activities tend to enjoy school more and be more successful in school.

 

The following sports are offered for seventh and eighth-grade students at Rolla Junior High School: football, volleyball, basketball, track, cross country, wrestling, and cheerleading.  To be eligible for participation in RJH athletics (including cheerleading), students must have passed six classes the previous semester, be a good school and community citizen, and meet all criteria established by the district and Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA):  

 

Grades 7-8

• You must be enrolled in a normal course load for your grade at the member school.
• You will be ineligible if you failed more than one class the previous grading period.
• You must have been promoted to a higher grade prior to the first day of classes for the new school year.
• Students promoted for the first time into 7th grade are considered academically eligible for the first grading period after promotion.
• Any student with ISS or OSS the day of an event will not be allowed to participate.

 

To help pay for the Rolla School District athletics programs, students will be assessed a $55.00 athletics participation fee if they plan to participate in one or more sports.  The fee must be paid prior to the student’s first athletic contest.  Provisions have been made for Rolla School supporters to pay this fee for students who cannot afford the fee.  Students must have a physical examination before trying out or practicing with the team and must show evidence of medical insurance coverage.  The school does not purchase insurance coverage for students, but a low-cost group accident insurance program is offered in cooperation with the school; application forms are available in the Principal’s Office.

 

Students and parents are required to attend a co-curricular meeting and/or refresher course.  These meeting dates will be advertised in advance.  Students will not be allowed to participate in athletic events until this requirement is met.

 

 

Occasionally dances will be held for students.  Only students enrolled in Rolla Junior High will be allowed to attend.  Students leaving the dance early will be required to sign out and will not be readmitted.  Parents are requested to have transportation available at the end of the dance. RJH Administration reserves the right to prohibit students from coming to the dance when they have received OSS the week of the dance or for any other major behavior concerns.

 

Students receiving grades of 3.0 and above at semester will make the Honor Roll. These students may receive various recognitions to recognize their high achievements.  The Principal's Honor Roll will recognize students achieving 3.5 to 4.0. These students will be considered for selection to National Junior Honor Society membership at Rolla Junior High.

 

RJH takes every precaution to ensure the safety of all students and staff.  If we ever need to evacuate the building, our reunification site is The Centre at 1200 Holloway Street.  RJH performs all emergency drills following school policy.  If you have any questions regarding our safety plan, please contact the principal’s office. 

 

In accordance with Missouri state law, the Pledge of Allegiance is recited daily during the announcements.

(Board Policy IC)

Inclement Weather

Inclement Weather days are now built into the calendar, as the Rolla 31 School district far exceeds the state minimum number of required hours. No days are expected to be added to the end of the calendar due to inclement weather.

 

Inclement Weather Information Line: 573-458-0101 (#2) You can also check for incliment weather on the district website by clicking here.

 

• July 4: Independence Day
• Aug. 8, 11, 12: New Teacher Orientation
• Aug. 13-15, 18: Teacher Work Days
• Aug. 19: First Day of School
• Sept. 1: Labor Day (NO SCHOOL)
• Sept. 15: Professional Development Day (NO SCHOOL)
• Oct. 6: Professional Development Day (NO SCHOOL)
• Oct. 15: End of the first quarter
• Oct. 24: Parent/Teacher Conferences (NO SCHOOL)
• Nov. 3: Professional Development Day (NO SCHOOL)
• Nov. 26-28 Thanksgiving Break (NO SCHOOL)
• Dec. 19: End of 2nd Quarter/Dismiss @ 1:00
• Dec. 22 - Jan. 5: Teacher Workday/Professional Development (NO SCHOOL)
• Jan. 6: Classes Resume
• Jan. 19: Martin Luther King Day (NO SCHOOL)
• Feb. 13: Professional Development Day (NO SCHOOL)
• Feb. 16: President’s Day (NO SCHOOL)
• Mar. 11: End of 3rd Quarter
• Mar. 20: Parent Teacher Conferences (NO SCHOOL)
• Mar. 23 - 27: Spring Break (NO SCHOOL)
• Mar. 30: Classes Resume
• Apr. 20: Professional Development Day (NO SCHOOL)
• May 21: Last Day of School (Dismiss @ 1:00)
• May 25: Memorial Day
• June 1 - 26: Summer School

(Junior High School)

Policy JED

 

This policy pertains to all students enrolled in Rolla Junior High School, except students with active federally required Individualized Educational Plans (IEP) who are exempted in their IEPs.

 

Regular school attendance is required by Missouri law and is essential to the academic performance of each student. Although students who have been absent can make up written exercises and some tests, no effective method exists to compensate for missed lectures, classroom discussions, teacher assistance, or teacher explanation. This policy is established to promote regular class attendance, to maximize each student's opportunity to receive the full benefits of the education offered by the Rolla School District, and to encourage students to assume responsibility for their conduct.

 

Excessive Absence

Students will be permitted a maximum of eight (8) absences per class per semester. Days of suspension are counted as absences and accrue toward the eight (8) absence limit.

If a student is absent from school due to illness for more than four (4) consecutive school days, the parent or guardian is requested to provide written verification from a physician regarding the reason for the absence. 

Exemplary attendance does not ensure credit in a class. Each student is responsible for fulfilling the academic requirements for earning credit.

Any student who does not attend at least 70% of the current academic year could be retained for the next academic year.

 

Notice and Make-Up Work

The parent or guardian of each student who is absent must notify the principal's office of the absence, and the reason for the absence before the student may be re-admitted to class. Failure to do so will result in the absence being deemed truancy. A student who has a pre-planned absence that is approved by the Principal is to ask for an Extended Absence Form from the attendance office a minimum of one week prior to the absence.

If a student will be absent from school for two (2) or more days, the parent or guardian is encouraged to notify the school so that assignments may be collected and sent to the student.

Credit for make-up work is permitted for all absences.  The exception to this is out of school suspensions which can be made up for half (½) credit.  Students with an Individualized Education Plan will receive full credit. When absences are anticipated, such as family trips, the student is to contact the attendance office of his/her teacher(s) so that the student may make arrangements to complete work that will be missed. It is the student’s responsibility to inform the teacher that he/she will be absent and to request any and all make-up work.

Once the student has returned to class, all make-up and alternative assignments must be completed within the number of school days equal to or less than the number of school days the student has been absent. Example: If the student is absent two (2) days and returns on Tuesday, the 18th day of the month, then the student will have no more than two (2) days to complete and turn in make-up work, which will be due on Thursday, the 20th day of the month.

However, notwithstanding the provisions of the preceding paragraph, no student will be permitted to take more than one (1) week (seven days following the date upon which the student returns to class) to make up work without special permission of the teacher. Example: If a student misses eight (8) days of class and returns to school on Wednesday, the l9th day of the month, the student must complete and turn in all make-up work on or before Wednesday, the 26th day of the month, unless the student receives special permission from the teacher.

Procedures: Students will be given a student handbook upon enrollment in Rolla Junior High School. The handbook shall contain the written attendance policy.  The attendance office will record each student’s absence.  When a student has accrued Four (4) and Six (6) absences, school personnel will send a letter to the parents.  Attendance letters will be sent to the parents/guardians. These letters will be sent for absences Nine (9), Fourteen (14), Twenty (20), and every Fifth (5^th) absence over 20 in a class during the semester.  Additionally, the district will contact the Children's Division (CD) of the Department of Social Services or the local prosecutor in cases where the district has a reasonable suspicion that a student's lack of attendance constitutes educational neglect on the part of the parents/guardians or that parents/guardians are in violation of the compulsory attendance law. No such action will be taken unless other strategies and interventions have been implemented and proven ineffective.  School officials will make all reasonable efforts to contact the student and his/her parent or guardian to discuss the student's excessive absence(s). 

 

 

Bulldog Blitz Time is to be utilized by students for academic reasons and is an integral part of our educational process. Therefore, talking, sleeping, listening to, or using electronic devices is prohibited. Students should do homework, class assignments, and any other work that is related to their classes. Students who violate Blitz Time rules will be subject to disciplinary action. The following expectations apply to all Blitz Time classes:

1. Students who wish to go to another class for academic assistance or to the counselor’s office must have a pass to show their Blitz teacher.  The student must report to their designated Blitz class for attendance purposes before utilizing their pre-signed pass. For a student to report to a teacher’s classroom, the student must have a pre-signed pass by the expecting teacher. If the student does not have a pre-signed pass, they will not be permitted to leave Bulldog Blitz Time. The student must report to their designated Blitz Time for attendance purposes before utilizing their pre-signed pass.
2. Students are permitted to utilize the library during the Blitz period on an as-needed basis. The Blitz Time teacher has the prerogative to determine which and how many students will be permitted to use the library during Blitz Time
3. Blitz Time provides valuable time for students to do assignments without interruptions. Each student will be assigned a seat and is expected to report to Blitz to complete and work quietly.

POLICY JG-R1

Original Adopted Date 6/18/1998, Last Revised Date 9/16/2021

The district disciplinary policies are designed to foster student responsibility, respect for others and to provide for the maintenance of an atmosphere where orderly learning is possible and encouraged. No code can be expected to list each and every offense that may result in disciplinary action; however, it is the purpose of this code to list certain offenses, which, if committed by a student, will result in the imposition of a specific penalty, the severity of which may vary according to the age and grade level of the student. This code includes, but is not necessarily limited to, acts of students on district property, including playgrounds, parking lots and district transportation, or at a district activity, whether on or off district property. The district may also discipline students for off-campus conduct that negatively impacts the educational environment, to the extent allowed by law.
 

Reporting to Law Enforcement

It is the policy of the Rolla Public Schools to report all crimes occurring on district property to law enforcement, including but not limited to, the crimes the district is required to report in accordance with law. A list of crimes the district is required to report is included in policy JGF.

 

The principal shall also notify the appropriate law enforcement agency and superintendent if a student is discovered to possess a controlled substance or weapon in violation of the district's policy.

 

In addition, the superintendent shall notify the appropriate division of the juvenile or family court upon suspension for more than ten days or expulsion of any student who the district is aware is under the jurisdiction of the court.

 

Documentation in Student's Discipline Record

The principal, designee or other administrators or school staff will maintain all discipline records as deemed necessary for the orderly operation of the schools and in accordance with law and policy JGF.

 

Conditions of Suspension, Expulsion and Other Disciplinary Consequences

All students who are suspended or expelled, regardless of the reason, are prohibited from participating in or attending any district-sponsored activity or being on or near district property or the location of any district activity for any reason, unless permission is granted by the superintendent or designee. When appropriate, the district may prohibit students from participating in activities or restrict a student's access to district property as a disciplinary consequence even if a student is not suspended or expelled from school. Likewise, a student may become ineligible for or be required to forfeit any honors and awards as a disciplinary consequence.

 

In accordance with law, any student who is suspended for any offenses listed in § 160.261, RSMo., or any act of violence or drug-related activity defined by policy JGF as a serious violation of school discipline, shall not be allowed to be within 1,000 feet of any district property or any activity of the district, regardless of whether the activity takes place on district property, unless one of the following conditions exist:

 

1. The student is under the direct supervision of the student's parent, legal guardian, custodian or another adult designated in advance, in writing, to the student's principal by the student's parent, legal guardian or custodian, and the superintendent or designee has authorized the student to be on district property.
 
2. The student is enrolled in and attending an alternative school that is located within 1,000 feet of a public school in the district.
 
3. The student resides within 1,000 feet of a public school in the district and is on the property of the student's residence.

 

Students who violate the prohibitions in this section may be suspended or expelled in accordance with the offense, "Failure to Meet Conditions of Suspension, Expulsion or Other Disciplinary Consequences," listed below.

 

Pursuant to law, no student will be confined in an unattended locked space except in an emergency situation while awaiting the arrival of law enforcement personnel.

 

Impact on Grades

As with any absence, absences due to an out-of-school suspension may result in the student earning a lower grade or failing to earn credit in accordance with the district’s policy on absences.

 

Prohibited Conduct

The following are descriptions of prohibited conduct and potential consequences for violations. Building-level administrators are authorized to more narrowly tailor potential consequences as appropriate for the age level of students in the building within the ranges established in this regulation. In addition to the consequences specified here, school officials will notify law enforcement and document violations in the student's discipline file pursuant to law and board policy.

 

Although this code lists progressively more stringent penalties for violations of each offense, the building administration shall prescribe an individual corrective plan for any student who is in frequent violation of discipline policies. This plan will include progressively more stringent consequences for failure to comply with various rules and policies and may eventually lead to expulsion. Due to the seriousness of offenses any or all of the following actions may be taken:

 

Violations Against Persons

 

Assault to Students

 

1. Using physical force, such as hitting, striking or pushing, to cause or attempt to cause physical injury; placing another person in apprehension of immediate physical injury; recklessly engaging in conduct that creates a grave risk of death or serious physical injury; causing physical contact with another person knowing the other person will regard the contact as offensive or provocative; or any other act that constitutes criminal assault in the third or fourth degree.


   1. First Offense: Administrative conference, detention, up to a 10-day suspension.


   2. Second Offense: Administrative conference, up to a 180-school-day suspension.

Third Offense: Up to expulsion.
 
2. Knowingly causing or attempting to cause serious physical injury or death to another person, recklessly causing serious physical injury to another person, or any other act that constitutes assault in the first or second degree.


   1. First Offense: 10-180 days out-of-school suspension or expulsion.

Subsequent Offense: Up to expulsion.

 

Assault to Staff

 

1. Using physical force, such as hitting, striking or pushing, to cause or attempt to cause physical injury; placing another person in apprehension of immediate physical injury; recklessly engaging in conduct that creates a grave risk of death or serious physical injury; causing physical contact with another person knowing the other person will regard the contact as offensive or provocative; or any other act that constitutes criminal assault in the third or fourth degree.


   1. First Offense: 10-day suspension up to expulsion.


   2. Subsequent Offense: Up to expulsion.
 
2. Knowingly causing or attempting to cause serious physical injury or death to another person, recklessly causing serious physical injury to another person, or any other act that constitutes assault in the first or second degree.


   1. First Offense: 10-180 days out-of-school suspension or expulsion.


   2. Subsequent Offense: Up to expulsion.

 

Bullying and Cyberbullying (see board policy JFCF) – Intimidation, unwanted aggressive behavior, or harassment that is repetitive or is substantially likely to be repeated and causes a reasonable student to fear for their physical safety or property; that substantially interferes with the educational performance, opportunities or benefits of any student without exception; or that substantially disrupts the orderly operation of the school. Bullying includes, but is not limited to, physical actions, including violence, gestures, theft or property damage; oral, written or electronic communication, including name-calling, put-downs, extortion or threats; or threats of reprisal or retaliation for reporting such acts. Cyberbullying is a form of bullying committed by transmission of a communication including, but not limited to, a message, text, sound or image by means of an electronic device including, but not limited to, a telephone, wireless telephone or other wireless communication device, computer or pager.

 

First Offense: Administrator conference, detention, and up to 180 days out-of-school suspension.

Subsequent Offense: 1-180 days out-of-school suspension or expulsion.

 

Fighting (see also “Assault”) – Mutual combat in which both parties have contributed to the conflict either verbally or by physical action.

 

First Offense: Administrator conference, detention, up to 5-school-day suspension.

Second Offense: Administrator conference, up to a 10-school-day suspension.

Third Offense: 10-180 school day suspension.

 

Hazing (see board policy JFCG) – Any activity that a reasonable person believes would negatively impact the mental or physical health or safety of a student or put the student in a ridiculous, humiliating, stressful or disconcerting position for the purposes of initiation, affiliation, admission, membership or maintenance of membership in any group, class, organization, club or athletic team including, but not limited to, a grade level, student organization or district-sponsored activity. Hazing can occur even when all students involved are willing participants.

 

First Offense: Administrator conference and up to 180 days out-of-school suspension.

Subsequent Offense: 1-180 days out-of-school suspension or expulsion.

 

Bus or Transportation Misconduct (see board policy JFCC) – Any offense committed by a student on transportation provided by or through the district shall be punished in the same manner as if the offense had been committed at the student's assigned school. In addition, transportation riding privileges may be suspended or revoked.

 

While the law requires the school district to furnish transportation, it does not relieve parents of students from the responsibility of supervision until such time as the child boards the bus in the morning and after the child leaves the bus at the end of the school day.

 

Once a child boards the bus – and only at that time – does he or she become the responsibility of the school district. Such responsibility shall end when the child is delivered to the regular bus stop at the close of the school day.

 

In view of the fact that a bus is an extension of the classroom, students shall conduct themselves on a bus in a manner consistent with established standards for classroom behavior.

 

In cases when a child does not conduct himself or herself properly on a bus, such instances are to be brought to the attention of the building principal by the bus driver.

 

Children who become a serious disciplinary problem on the school bus may have their riding privileges suspended by the principal. In such cases, the parents of the children involved become responsible for seeing that their children get to and from school safely.

 

First Offense: Driver will talk to student personally unless infraction breaks other school discipline policy; i.e., fighting.

Second Offense: Driver will call parents about problem and assign student to front seat for 10 school days unless infraction breaks other school discipline policy; i.e., fighting.

Third Offense: Deny bus privilege for 3 school days or other action the principal deems appropriate.

Future Reports: Deny bus privileges for 10 school days or other action the principal deems appropriate.

 

Weapons (see board policy JFCJ)

1. Possession or use of any weapon as defined in board policy, other than those defined in 18 U.S.C. § 921, 18 U.S.C. § 930(g)(2) or § 57010, RSMo.


   1. First Offense:  In-school suspension, 1-180 days out-of-school suspension, or expulsion.


   2. Subsequent Offense: 1-180 days out-of-school suspension or expulsion.
 
2. Possession or use of a firearm as defined in 18 U.S.C. § 921 or any instrument or device defined in § 571.010, RSMo., or any instrument or device defined as a dangerous weapon in 18 U.S.C. § 930(g)(2).


   1. First Offense: One calendar year suspension or expulsion, unless modified by the board upon recommendation by the superintendent.


   2. Subsequent Offense: Expulsion.
 
3. Possession or use of ammunition or a component of a weapon.


   1. First Offense: In-school suspension, 1-180 days out-of-school suspension, or expulsion.


   2. Subsequent Offense: 1-180 days out-of-school suspension or expulsion.

 

Verbal Abuse to Staff – Disrespectful, profane or sarcastic language directed to any staff member.

 

First Offense: Staff/student conference, detention, up to a 10-school-day suspension.

Second Offense: 1-180 school day suspension.

Third Offense: 1-180 school day suspension, up to expulsion.

 

Threats or Verbal Assault – Verbal, written, pictorial or symbolic language or gestures that create a reasonable fear of physical injury or property damage.

 

First Offense: Administrator conference, detention, up to 180 days out-of-school suspension, or expulsion.

Subsequent Offense: Administrator conference, up to 180 days out-of-school suspension, or expulsion.

 

Harassment, including Sexual Harassment (see board policies AC and ACA and note that additional provisions of the code of conduct may apply to the student's behavior) 

 

1. Use of material of a sexual nature or unwelcome verbal, written or symbolic language based on gender, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability or any other characteristic protected by law.


   1. First Offense: Administrator conference, detention and up to 180 days out-of-school suspension, or expulsion.


   2. Subsequent Offense: Administrator conference and up to 180 days out-of-school suspension, or expulsion.
 
2. Unwelcome physical contact of a sexual nature or that is based on gender, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability or any other characteristic protected by law.


   1. First Offense: Administrator conference and up to 180 days out-of-school suspension, or expulsion.


   2. Subsequent Offense: 1-180 days out-of-school suspension or expulsion.
 
3. Student is found "responsible" for sexual harassment under Title IX upon conclusion of a formal complaint under policy ACA.


   1. Any Offense: 10-180 days out-of-school suspension or expulsion.
 

Violations Against Public Health and Safety

 

Drugs, Drug Paraphernalia, Alcohol (see board policy JFCH) – Use of, presence under the influence of or soon after consuming, or possession of drug paraphernalia or possession of alcoholic beverages, unauthorized inhalants, controlled substances, or substances represented to be such controlled substances.

 

First Offense: 10-school-day suspension with provisions for reduction to 5 days.

Second Offense: 180-day suspension to expulsion.

 

Distribution or Attempt to Distribute Drugs, Drug Paraphernalia, Alcohol, or Substances Represented to be such (see board policy JFCH).

 

1. Sale


   1. First Offense: 10-day suspension up to expulsion.


   2. Second Offense: Expulsion.
 
2. Distribution Other than Sale


   1. First Offense: Up to expulsion.


   2. Second Offense: Expulsion.

 

Tobacco Possession – Possession of any tobacco products, electronic cigarettes (vaping products), other nicotine-delivery products or imitation tobacco products, as defined in policy AH, while in or on district property, district transportation or at any district activity. In all instances, prohibited product will be confiscated. Nicotine patches or other medications used in a tobacco cessation program may be possessed only in accordance with district policy JHCD.

 

First Offense: Parent conference, detention, up to a one school day suspension.

Second Offense: Up to a 2-school-day suspension.

Third Offense: Up to a 4-school-day suspension.

Fourth Offense: Up to a 10-school-day suspension.

Fifth Offense: Up to a 180-school-day suspension.

 

Tobacco Use – Use of any tobacco products, electronic cigarettes (vaping products), other nicotine-delivery products or imitation tobacco products, as defined in policy AH, while in or on district property, district transportation or at any district activity. In all instances, prohibited product will be confiscated. Nicotine patches or other medications used in a tobacco cessation program may be used in only accordance with district policy JHCD.

 

First Offense: Detention, up to a 2-school-day suspension.

Second Offense: Up to a 4-school-day suspension.

Third Offense: Up to a 10-school-day suspension.

Fourth Offense: Up to a 180-school-day suspension.

 

Incendiary Devices or Fireworks – Possessing, displaying or using matches, lighters or other devices used to start fires unless required as part of an educational exercise and supervised by district staff; possessing or using fireworks.

 

1. First Offense: Confiscation. Warning, principal/student conference, detention, in-school suspension, or out-of-school suspension.
2. Subsequent Offense: Confiscation. Principal/Student conference, detention, in-school suspension, or 1-10 days out-of-school suspension.

 

Violations Against Property

 

Extortion – Threatening or intimidating any person for the purpose of, or with the intent of, obtaining money or anything of value.

 

First Offense: Conference, detention, and up to a 10-school-day suspension.

Second Offense: Conference and up to a 180-school-day suspension.

Third Offense: Expulsion.

 

Failure to Care for or Return District Property – Loss of, failure to return, or damage to district property including, but not limited to, books, technology resources, calculators, uniforms, and sporting and instructional equipment.

 

1. First Offense: Restitution. Principal/Student conference, detention, or in-school suspension.
2. Subsequent Offense: Restitution. Detention or in-school suspension.

 

False Alarms (see also “Threats or Verbal Assault”) – Tampering with emergency equipment, setting of false alarms, making false reports; communicating a threat or false report for the purpose of frightening or disturbing people, disrupting the educational environment or causing the evacuation or closure of district property.

 

First Offense: Restitution. 10-school-day suspension.

Second Offense: Restitution. Expulsion.

 

Technology Misconduct (see board policies EHB and KKB and procedure EHB-AP1) 

 

1. Attempting, regardless of success, to: gain unauthorized access to a technology system or information; use district technology to connect to other systems in evasion of the physical limitations of the remote system; copy district files without authorization; interfere with the ability of others to utilize district technology; secure a higher level of privilege without authorization; introduce computer viruses, hacking tools, or other disruptive/destructive programs onto or using district technology; or evade or disable a filtering/blocking device.


   1. First Offense: Restitution. Principal/Student conference, suspension or loss of user privileges, detention, or up to 180 days out-of-school suspension.


   2. Subsequent Offense: Restitution. Suspension or loss of user privileges, 1-180 days out-of-school suspension, or expulsion.
 
2. Violations, other than those listed in (a) above, of board policy EHB, procedure EHB-AP1 or any policy or procedure regulating student use of personal electronic devices.
   1. First Offense: Restitution. Principal/Student conference, detention, or up to 180 days out-of-school suspension.


   2. Subsequent Offense: Restitution. Suspension or loss of user privileges, up to 180 days out-of-school suspension, or expulsion.
 
3. Use of audio or visual recording equipment in violation of board policy KKB.


   1. First Offense: Confiscation. Principal/Student conference, detention, or in-school suspension.


   2. Subsequent Offense: Confiscation. Principal/Student conference, detention, in-school suspension, or 1-10 days out-of-school suspension.

 

Theft – Stealing or attempting to steal private or school property. In addition to school penalties, the school will notify legal authorities if the value of the item exceeds $25.00.

1. First Offense: Return of or restitution for property. Principal/Student conference, detention, up to a 10-school-day suspension.
2. Second Offense: Return of or restitution for property. 1-30 school day suspension.
3. Third Offense: Return of or restitution for property. 10-school-day suspension to expulsion.

 

Unauthorized Entry – Entering or assisting any other person to enter a district facility, office, locker, or other area that is locked or not open to the general public; entering or assisting any other person to enter a district facility through an unauthorized entrance; assisting unauthorized persons to enter a district facility through any entrance.

1. First Offense: Principal/Student conference, detention, and up to 180 days out-of-school suspension.
2. Subsequent Offense: Up to 180 days out-of-school suspension or expulsion.

 

Vandalism/Willful Damage to District Property (see board policy ECA) – Willfully causing damage or attempting to cause such damage to any property, real or personal, belonging to the district or participating in the littering of district property. The district will notify legal authorities if the value of the damage exceeds $50.

 

Any student who is found by the school principal or designee to have willfully damaged or destroyed district property or participated in the littering of district property will be subject to the following actions:

 

1. The parents or guardians will be notified.
 
2. If the student is 17 years of age or older, the police may be notified if the incident is serious enough to warrant it. The juvenile officer will be notified if the student is under 17 and the incident is serious enough to warrant it.
 
3. Students may be suspended from school up to 10 school days for the first offense and up to 30 school days for the second offense. Expulsion will be recommended to the board of education for a third offense.
 
4. Students or their parents or guardians will be requested to make specific arrangements to reimburse the school district for expenses incurred in cleaning up litter or repairing or replacing damaged or destroyed school property. If such arrangements are not voluntarily made by the student, parents or guardians, the superintendent is authorized to institute a civil suit on behalf of the school district either directly against the student or against the parents and guardians pursuant to § 537.045, RSMo., 1979.



1. First Offense: Arrangements for restitution and conference up to a 10-school-day suspension.


2. Second Offense: Arrangements for restitution and 1-30 school-day suspension.

Third Offense: Up to expulsion.

 

Automobile/Vehicle Misuse – Uncourteous or unsafe driving on or around district property, unregistered parking, failure to move vehicle at the request of school officials, failure to follow directions given by school officials or failure to follow established rules for parking or driving on district property.

 

1. First Offense: Administrator conference, detention, up to 3-school-day suspension, and/or loss of parking privileges.
2. Second Offense: Administrator conference, up to 10-school-day suspension, and/or loss of parking privileges.
3. Third Offense: Up to expulsion.

 

Arson – Starting or attempting to start a fire or causing or attempting to cause an explosion.

1. First Offense: Detention, 1-180 school-day suspension or expulsion. Restitution if appropriate.
2. Second Offense: Expulsion. Restitution if appropriate.

 

Violations Against School Attendance

 

Failure to Meet Conditions of Suspension, Expulsion or Other Disciplinary Consequences – Violating the conditions of a suspension, expulsion or other disciplinary consequence including, but not limited to, participating in or attending any district-sponsored activity or being on or near district property or the location where a district activity is held. See the section of this regulation titled, "Conditions of Suspension, Expulsion and Other Disciplinary Consequences."

 

As required by law, when the district considers suspending a student for an additional period of time or expelling a student for being on or within 1,000 feet of district property during a suspension, consideration shall be given to whether the student poses a threat to the safety of any child or school employee and whether the student's presence is disruptive to the educational process or undermines the effectiveness of the district's discipline policy.

 

1. First Offense: Verbal warning, detention, up to 180 days out-of-school suspension, or expulsion. Report to law enforcement for trespassing if expelled.
2. Subsequent Offense: Up to 180 days out-of-school suspension, or expulsion. Report to law enforcement for trespassing if expelled.

 

Truancy (see board policy JED and regulation JED-R1) – Absent from school, class or assigned area without school and parental permission; excessive non-justifiable absences, even with the consent of parents/guardians.

1. First Offense: Parent conference, detention, up to a 1-school-day suspension.
2. Second Offense: Detention, up to a 2-school-day suspension.
3. Third Offense: Up to a 5-school-day suspension.
4. Fourth Offense: Up to a 10-school-day suspension
5. Fifth Offense: Up to a 180-school-day suspension, and removal from extracurricular activities

 

Tardiness – Arriving after the expected time class or school begins, as determined by the district.

1. First Offense - Second Offense: Verbal warning.
2.  
3. Third Offense - Fourth Offense: Verbal warning, up to loss of in-class privileges.
4.  
5. Fifth or More Offenses: Detention, up to in- school suspension.

 

Violations Against Public Decency and Good Order

 

Use of Obscene Language – Use of words or gestures that are offensively lewd and indecent and do not have a serious literary, artistic, political or scientific value.

1.  
2. First Offense: Parent conference, detention, up to a 3-school-day suspension.
3. Second Offense: 1-5 school-day suspension.
4. Third Offense: Semester suspension.

 

Disrespectful or Disruptive Conduct or Speech (see board policy AC if illegal harassment or discrimination is involved) – Verbal, written, pictorial or symbolic language or gesture that is directed at any person that is in violation of district policy or is otherwise rude, vulgar, defiant, considered inappropriate in educational settings or that materially and substantially disrupts classroom work, school activities or school functions. Students will not be disciplined for speech in situations where it is protected by law.

1.  
2. First Offense: Parent Conference, detention, up to a 3-school-day suspension.
3. Second Offense: 1-5 school-day suspension.
4. Third Offense: Semester suspension.

 

Use of Personal Electronic Devices – A student is prohibited from using or having a personal electronic device turned on during the regular school day, unless permitted by the building principal.

 

1. First Offense: Confiscation and/or detention, up to 5-school-day suspension; however, if the communication device is related to involvement in controlled substances or gang-like activity,* the student may be suspended for up to 10 school days with a recommendation for a suspension of up to 180 days.
2. Second Offense: Confiscation and up to 10-school-day suspension; however, if the communication device is related to involvement in controlled substances or gang-like activity,* a recommendation for expulsion will be made.

 

Gambling – Betting on an uncertain outcome, regardless of stakes; engaging in any game of chance or activity in which something of real or symbolic value may be won or lost. Gambling includes, but is not limited to, betting on outcomes of activities, assignments, contests and games.

 

1. First Offense: Principal/Student conference, loss of privileges, detention, or in-school suspension.
2. Subsequent Offense: Principal/Student conference, loss of privileges, detention, in-school suspension, or 1-10 days out-of-school suspension.

 

Sexual Activity – Consensual acts of sex or consensual simulations of sex including, but not limited to, intercourse or oral or manual stimulation.

 

1. First Offense: Principal/Student conference, detention, in-school suspension, or 1-180 days out-of-school suspension.
2. Subsequent Offense: Detention, in-school suspension, 1-180 days out-of-school suspension, or expulsion.

 

Sexting and/or Possession of Sexually Explicit, Vulgar or Violent Material (see board policies AC and ACA) – Students may not possess or display, electronically or otherwise, sexually explicit, vulgar or violent material including, but not limited to, pornography or depictions of nudity, violence or explicit death or injury. This prohibition does not apply to curricular material that has been approved by district staff for its educational value. Students will not be disciplined for speech in situations where it is protected by law.

 

1. First Offense: Confiscation. Principal/Student conference, detention, in-school suspension, or 1-180 days out-of-school suspension.
2. Subsequent Offense: Confiscation. Detention, in-school suspension, 1-180 days out-of-school suspension, or expulsion.

 

Nuisance Items – Possession or inappropriate use of items such as toys, games, and portable media players that are not authorized for educational purposes.

 

1. First Offense: Confiscation. Warning, principal/student conference, detention, or in-school suspension.
2. Subsequent Offense: Confiscation. Principal/Student conference, detention, in-school suspension, or 1-10 days out-of-school suspension.

 

Other

 

Other Violations of Good Order That May Result in Suspension or Expulsion from Classes or School Functions:

 

1. Participation in unauthorized or unscheduled activities.
 
2. Habitual absences.
 
3. Falsifying or forging names on excuses, passes or progress reports.
 
4. Dishonesty, such as cheating on tests, assignments, projects or similar activities; plagiarism; claiming credit for another person’s work; fabrication of facts, sources or other supporting material; unauthorized collaboration; facilitating academic dishonesty; other misconduct related to academics; or knowingly furnishing false information to the school district.
 
5. Disobedience or disrespect to a teacher or school official.
 
6. Obstruction or disruption of teaching, administration, disciplinary procedures, or other activities on school district premises.
 
7. Off-campus misconduct of a serious nature that may adversely affect or disrupt school discipline and good order (i.e., sale of controlled substances, assault).
 
8. Any other conduct that is prejudicial to good order and discipline in the schools or that tends to impair the morale or good conduct of the pupils, including the following: those students who have shown by their actions and achievement not to be interested in school and who are causing disturbances during class, or at other times during the school day, and who, after repeated counseling and warning by teachers and administrators and notification to parents, are showing no progress may be suspended.

 

Suspension shall be subject to review and final action of the board in accordance with § 167.161, .171, RSMo.

Students shall have the right to appeal suspensions of more than 10 days to the board of education. All rulings of the board of education shall be final.



* As used herein, the phrase “gang-like activity” shall mean any conduct engaged in by a student 1) on behalf of any gang; 2) to perpetuate the existence of any gang; 3) to affect the common purpose and design of any gang; or 4) to represent a gang affiliation, loyalty or membership in any way while on school grounds or while attending a school function. These activities include recruiting students for membership in any gang and threatening or intimidating other students or employees to commit acts or omissions against his/her will in furtherance of the common purpose and design of any gang. For purposes of district policy, the term “gang” shall be defined as any ongoing organization, association or group of three or more persons, whether formal or informal, having as one of its primary activities the commission of a criminal act, which has a common name or common identifying sign or symbol, whose members individually or collectively engage in or have engaged in a pattern of gang activity.



Note:   The reader is encouraged to check the index located at the beginning of this section for other pertinent policies and to review administrative procedures and/or forms for related information.
 

© Portions 2021 (3/21), Missouri School Boards' Association. Version: [JG-R1.ROL]

 

(FILE:  JO-1)

In order to provide students with appropriate instruction and educational services, it is necessary for the district to maintain extensive and sometimes personal information about students and families. These records must be kept confidential in accordance with law, but must also be readily available to district personnel who need the records to effectively serve district students. 

The superintendent or designee will provide for the proper administration of student records in accordance with law, develop appropriate procedures for maintaining student records and standardize procedures for the collection and transmittal of necessary information about individual students throughout the district. The superintendent and building principals will develop a student records system that includes protocols for releasing student education records. Principals are responsible for maintaining and protecting the student education records in each school. The superintendent or designee will make arrangements so that all district employees are trained annually on the confidentiality of student education records, as applicable for each employee classification.

 

Health Information

Student health information is a type of student record that is particularly sensitive and protected by numerous state and federal laws. Student health information shall be protected from unauthorized, illegal or inappropriate disclosure by adherence to the principles of confidentiality and privacy. The information shall be protected regardless of whether the information is received orally, in writing or electronically and regardless of the type of record or method of storage.

 

Parent and Eligible Student Access

All parents may inspect and review their student's education records, seek amendments, consent to disclosures and file complaints regarding the records as allowed by law. These rights transfer from the parent to the student once the student becomes an eligible student; however, under the Missouri Sunshine Law, parents maintain some rights to inspect student records even after a student turns 18. The district will extend the same access to records to either parent, regardless of divorce, custody or visitation rights, unless the district is provided with evidence that the parent's rights to inspect records have been legally modified.

If a parent or eligible student believes an education record related to the student contains information that is inaccurate, misleading or in violation of the student's privacy, the parent or eligible student may use the appeals procedures created by the superintendent or designee to request that the district amend the record.

The district will annually notify parents and eligible students of their rights in accordance with law.

 

Directory Information

Directory information is information contained in an education record of a student that generally would not be considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed without the consent of a parent or eligible student. The district will designate the types of information included in directory information and release this information without first obtaining consent from a parent or eligible student unless a parent or eligible student notifies the district in writing as directed. Parents and eligible students will be notified annually of the information the district has designated as directory information and the process for notifying the district if they do not want the information released. Even if parents or eligible students notify the district in writing that they do not want directory information disclosed, the district may still disclose the information if required or allowed to do so by law. For example, the district may require students to disclose their names, identifiers or district email addresses in classes in which they are enrolled, or students may be required to wear, publicly display or disclose a student identification card or badge that exhibits information that is designated as directory information. The school district designates the following items as directory information.

 

General Directory Information – 

The following information the district maintains about a personally identifiable student may be disclosed by the district to the school community through, for example, district publications, or to any person without first obtaining written consent from a parent or eligible student:

Student's name; date and place of birth; parents' names; grade level; enrollment status (e.g., full-time or part-time); student identification number; user identification or other unique personal identifier used by the student for the purposes of accessing or communicating in electronic systems as long as that information alone cannot be used to access protected educational records; participation in district-sponsored or district-recognized activities and sports; weight and height of members of athletic teams; athletic performance data; dates of attendance; degrees, honors and awards received; artwork or course work displayed by the district; schools or school districts previously attended; and photographs, videotapes, digital images and recorded sound unless such records would be considered harmful or an invasion of privacy.

Limited Directory Information – In addition to general directory information, the following information the district maintains about a personally identifiable student may be disclosed to: parent groups or booster clubs that are recognized by the Board and are created solely to work with the district, its staff, students and parents and to raise funds for district activities; parents of other students enrolled in the same school as the student whose information is released; students enrolled in the same school as the student whose information is released; governmental entities including, but not limited to, law enforcement, the juvenile office and the Children's Division (CD) of the Department of Social Services: The student's address, telephone number and e-mail address and the parents' addresses, telephone numbers and e-mail addresses.

 

Law Enforcement Access

The district may report or disclose education records to law enforcement and juvenile justice authorities if the disclosure concerns law enforcement's or juvenile justice authorities' ability to effectively serve, prior to adjudication, the student whose records are released. The officials and authorities to whom such information is disclosed must comply with applicable restrictions set forth in federal law.

If the district reports a crime committed by a student with a disability as defined in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the district will transmit copies of the special education and disciplinary records to the authorities to whom the district reported the crime as allowed by law.

Law enforcement officials also have access to directory information and may obtain access to student education records in emergency situations as allowed by law. Otherwise, law enforcement officials must obtain a subpoena or consent from the parent or eligible student before a student's education records will be disclosed.

 

Children's Division Access

The district may disclose education records to representatives of the CD when reporting child abuse and neglect in accordance with law. Once the CD obtains custody of a student, CD representatives may also have access to education records in accordance with law. CD representatives may also have access to directory information and may obtain access to student education records in emergency situations, as allowed by law.

 

Military and Higher Education Access

The district will disclose the names, addresses and telephone numbers of secondary school students to military recruiters or institutions of higher education as required by law. However, if a parent, or a secondary school student who is at least 18, submits a written request, the district will not release the information without first obtaining written consent from the parent or the student. The district will notify parents, and secondary school students who are at least 18, that they may opt out of these disclosures.

Last Revised Date: 6/30/2017

(POLICY  JHD)

Definitions

Counselor – For the purposes of this policy, a counselor is a school counselor as defined by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).

School Counseling Advisory Council (SCAC) – A committee composed of a variety of stakeholders, such as parents/guardians, community leaders, agency personnel, students, teachers and School Board members.

 

General

The Rolla Public Schools's comprehensive school counseling program provides important benefits to all students at all grade levels by addressing their social/emotional, academic and career development needs. Research indicates that a fully implemented comprehensive school counseling program has a positive impact on student achievement and has the potential to increase attendance, reduce discipline referrals and improve Missouri Assessment Program (MAP) scores. In support of the district's efforts to improve student achievement, the Board requires implementation of the Missouri Comprehensive School Counseling Program and will adhere to all of its standards. The program shall be implemented in each attendance area and is considered an integral part of each school's education program. School counseling program objectives will be aligned with the district's Comprehensive School Improvement Plan (CSIP) and student performance data. The program shall be implemented by certified school counselors with the support of district staff, students and external organizations and agencies.

 

School Counseling Curriculum

Counselors will create and implement a written school counseling curriculum that promotes students' academic, career and social/emotional development. The Board will provide resources and support activities for implementation of the school counseling curriculum. The school counseling curriculum will be systematically reviewed and revised, and modifications to the school counseling curriculum will be based on student data, school data and planning survey data collected at least every three years.

 

Individual Student Planning

Individual planning activities help students plan, monitor and manage their academic achievement as well as their social/emotional and career development. The foundation for individual planning will be established during the elementary school years through school counseling activities. Building on this foundation, the individual planning component of the school counseling program will assist middle school students as they begin to plan for the future and will continue to support students in their planning endeavors until graduation.

School counselors will assist students in individual student planning (ISP) that addresses educational and career planning, educational transitioning and self-appraisal for decision making. An ISP process will be developed for students at every grade level.

Prior to their ninth-grade year, students will work with school counselors to create an individual career and academic plan (ICAP) as part of the student's ISP. The ICAP will include, but is not necessarily limited to, requirements for graduation; career or postsecondary goals and coursework or a program of study related to those goals, which shall include relevant opportunities that the district may not directly offer; grade-appropriate and career-related experiences as outlined in the grade-level expectations of the Missouri Comprehensive School Counseling Program; and student assessments, interest inventories or academic results needed to develop, review and revise the ICAP.

School counselors will continue to work with students throughout high school to evaluate and, if necessary, amend the plan in order to facilitate on-time graduation of success-ready students.

Students identified as at risk of not graduating from high school success-ready will receive additional support in accordance with law and policy IGBD.

If a student is receiving special education services, the student's individualized education program (IEP) team may explicitly waive or exempt the student from the provisions of this section.

 

Academic and Career Counseling Program

The district may establish an academic and career counseling program in cooperation with parents/guardians and the local community that is in the best interest of and meets the needs of students in the community.

 

Responsive Services

Responsive services are referrals and other actions taken by the district in response to the immediate needs and concerns of a particular student or identified needs and concerns of groups of students. The purpose of the responsive services component of the comprehensive school counseling program is to work with students whose personal circumstances, concerns or problems are interfering or threatening to interfere with their academic, career or social/emotional development. Responsive services will be implemented through individual counseling, small group counseling, consultation and referral.

Referrals shall be made in accordance with Board policies and district procedures. The superintendent, with the assistance of the SCAC, will develop procedures for staff to use to identify students who may need a referral for assistance beyond that regularly provided by the counseling staff. All staff members who, in the course of their duties, have contact with students on a regular basis will receive annual training on these procedures.

In the event of a pandemic or other emergency, school counseling staff will assist students with personal and emotional issues. The district's crisis intervention plan will include methods for continuing counseling support even in the event of a long-term school closure.

 

System Support

The Board recognizes system support as a crucial component in the full implementation of a comprehensive school counseling program. System support of the comprehensive school counseling program includes administration and management activities that support the program. The Board directs the administration to implement activities that support the school counseling program, such as program management, professional development, staff-community relations, consultation, committee participation, community outreach, and research and development.

 

Program Goals

The district will strive to meet the program goals in each of the following areas:

1.         Social/Emotional Development

►          Assist students in gaining an understanding of self as an individual and as a member of diverse local and global communities by emphasizing knowledge that leads to the recognition and understanding of the interrelationship of thoughts, feelings and actions in students' daily lives.

►          Provide students with a solid foundation for interacting with others in ways that respect individual and group differences.

►          Aid students in learning to apply physical and psychological safety and promoting the student's ability to advocate for him- or herself.

2.         Academic Development

►          Guide students to apply the skills needed for educational achievement by focusing on self-management, study and test-taking skills.

►          Teach students skills to aid them as they transition between grade levels or schools.

►          Focus on developing and monitoring individual education plans, emphasizing the understanding, knowledge and skills students need to develop meaningful ICAPs. 

 

3.         Career Development

►          Enable students to apply career exploration and planning skills in the achievement of life career goals.

►          Educate students about where and how to obtain information about the world of work and postsecondary training and education. 

►          Provide students the opportunity to learn employment readiness skills and skills for on-the-job success, including responsibility, dependability, punctuality, integrity, self-management and effort.

 

Confidentiality

It is necessary for counselors to build trusting relationships with students and district staff; however, counselors are not permitted to promise students complete confidentiality. Counselors may at times be required to disclose information to parents/guardians, report child abuse or neglect, convey to district staff information necessary to better serve a student, or report to supervisors as appropriate.

Care should be taken in explaining to students, in a developmentally appropriate manner, the limits of confidentiality. Notice of the limits of confidentiality may be made by a variety of methods including classroom lessons, student handbooks, the district website and school counseling brochures in addition to oral notification of individual students.

District counselors have the responsibility to protect the confidentiality of student records and only release information in accordance with state and federal law and Board policy. Information transmitted or stored electronically must maintain the same level of confidentiality as traditional paper records. Care shall be taken to send sensitive information by a means that protects student identity.

 

School Counseling Program Evaluation

The SCAC will systematically review the district's comprehensive school counseling program, including the school counseling curriculum, through the development and use of a comprehensive evaluation plan. The comprehensive evaluation plan will minimally assess the impact of the comprehensive school counseling program on the Missouri School Improvement Plan (MSIP) performance standards and other relevant criteria including, but not limited to, attendance, grades and behaviors.

Last Revised Date: 08/15/2019

 

See the Suicide Prevention and Awareness (§170.048, RSMo., Policy JHDF) policy by clicking here.

 

 

BOARD POLICY KKB

Because the district predominantly serves minors, is subject to a number of confidentiality laws, respects parent/guardian and community concerns about privacy, and seeks to minimize disruption to the education environment, the district prohibits audio and visual recordings on district property, district transportation or at a district activity unless authorized in this policy.

Any recording activity, even activity permitted under this policy, will be prohibited if the activity creates a disruption to the education environment. No recording equipment will be used or placed in areas of the building where the occupant would have a reasonable expectation of privacy, such as restroom facilities or locker rooms.

 

Definitions

Audio Recording – Registering sounds on tape, digitally or by other mechanical or electronic means.

Outside Entity – Any individual, group, organization or corporation other than the administration, officers, staff or students of the Rolla Public Schools or individuals authorized to act for the district.

Visual Recording – Registering visual images on film, tape, digitally or by other mechanical or electronic means.

 

Recording by Outside Entities

The Rolla Public Schools prohibits the use of visual or audio recording equipment on district property or at district activities by outside entities without permission from the superintendent or designee unless otherwise authorized by law. This prohibition shall not apply to:

1.         Performances or activities to which the general public is invited such as athletic competitions, concerts and plays.

2.         Recording of staff for the sole purpose of professional training or development.

3.         Open meetings of the Rolla Public Schools Board of Education or committees appointed by or at the direction of the Board.

4.         Recording of an event sponsored by an outside entity using or renting district facilities in accordance with Board policies and established administrative procedures.

 

Recording by District Personnel or District Agents

The district or designated agents of the district may make audio or visual recordings to provide security, to maintain order, for professional staff development use, for educational purposes or for other purposes related to furthering the educational mission of the district. This may include the use of visual recording equipment in district buildings and on district transportation. Recordings by or on behalf of district personnel that include students will be considered student records and will be maintained in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and other applicable laws.

 

Pre-Service and Student Teachers

The district may allow student teachers or pre-service teachers to record themselves teaching or otherwise interacting with students when the recording is used for educational purposes in the student teacher or pre-service teacher preparation program. The student teacher or pre-service teacher must obtain permission to do so from the cooperating teacher and the building principal and must have signed Missouri Pre-Service Teacher Assessment permission forms from all students and adults who will appear in the recordings if those recordings will be viewed by any person who is not employed by the district. The district reserves the right to refuse to allow recording or to limit the time and place for such recordings in order to minimize disruption to the educational process.

 

Recording by Students

The Rolla Public Schools prohibits the use of visual or audio recording equipment on district property or at district activities by students except:

1.         If required by a district-sponsored class or activity.

2.         At performances or activities to which the general public is invited, such as athletic competitions, concerts and plays.

3.         At open meetings of the Board of Education or committees appointed by or at the direction of the Board.

4.         As otherwise permitted by the building principal.

 

Recording of Meetings

The Board of Education prohibits the use of audio, visual or other recording devices at meetings held pursuant to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as well as other meetings among district employees and between district employees and parents/guardians. Exceptions to this prohibition will be made only in accordance with Board policy and law. Requests for such exceptions must be made within a reasonable period of time prior to the scheduled meetings. This prohibition does not apply to conversations held within view of district security cameras.

If a parent or guardian wishes to request an exception to the prohibition, that individual must provide to the Director of Special Education a written request no later than one week prior to a scheduled IEP meeting. The request must state the reasons why the parent or guardian believes the exception should apply and why the parent or guardian believes that the use of a recording device is necessary to ensure parental rights pursuant to the IDEA. The district will provide a written response to the request prior to the scheduled IEP meeting.

 

Secretive Recording or Transmission

The district prohibits secretive recordings where persons involved do not consent to the recording and it is not otherwise obvious that recording equipment is present or being used, unless the superintendent or designee determines in rare circumstances that such recordings are necessary for educational or security reasons. The district prohibits the simultaneous electronic transmission of any conversation by any person to a third party without the consent of all involved in the conversation, even if the conversation is not recorded.

 

Use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems

All unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) operators seeking to operate a UAS on or over district property or at a district event must receive authorization from the superintendent or designee. Authorization will be granted only when such operation is on behalf of the district, supports the mission of the district or otherwise serves a public purpose.

All UAS with the potential to capture or produce visual images of district property or district events must be operated in accordance with applicable Federal Aviation Administration regulations or safety guidelines.

Rolla 31 Last Revised Date: 6/9/2016

 

See the Staff-Student Electronic Communications Policy GBH by clicking here.

 

(Policy IGAEB)

The Board of Education recognizes that parents/guardians should be the primary source of sexuality education for their children. The Board also recognizes that effective sexuality education, taught in concert with parents/guardians, helps students avoid risks to their health and academic success and prepares them to make informed decisions as adults.

The district will offer instruction in human sexuality and will provide instruction regarding sexual abuse as required by law. All instruction will be appropriate to the age of the students receiving the instruction, and students may be separated by gender for the instruction.

 

Notice and Opt-Out

The district will notify parents/guardians of the basic content of the district's human sexuality and sexual abuse instruction. The district will also notify parents/guardians of their right to remove their student from any part of the district's instruction on these topics upon written request. The district will make all curriculum materials used in the district's human sexuality and sexual abuse instruction available for inspection prior to the use of such materials in actual instruction.

Human Sexuality and Sexually Transmitted Diseases

As required by state law, any course materials and instruction relating to human sexuality and sexually transmitted diseases shall be medically and factually accurate and shall: 

1.         Present abstinence from sexual activity as the preferred choice of behavior in relation to all sexual activity for unmarried students because it is the only method that is 100 percent effective in preventing pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases and the emotional trauma associated with adolescent sexual activity. Students shall be advised that teenage sexual activity places them at a higher risk of dropping out of school because of the consequences of sexually transmitted diseases and unplanned pregnancy. 

2.         Stress that sexually transmitted diseases are serious possible health hazards of sexual activity. Students shall be provided with the latest medical information regarding exposure to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis and other sexually transmitted diseases. 

3.         Present students with the latest medically factual information regarding both the possible side effects and health benefits of all forms of contraception, including the success and failure rates for the prevention of pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, or present students with information on contraceptives and pregnancy in a manner consistent with the provisions of federal abstinence education law. 

4.         Include a discussion of the possible emotional and psychological consequences of preadolescent and adolescent sexual activity and the consequences of adolescent pregnancy, as well as the advantages of adoption, including the adoption of special needs children, and the processes involved in making an adoption plan. 

5.         Teach skills of conflict management, personal responsibility and positive self-esteem through discussion and role playing at appropriate grade levels to emphasize that the student has the power to control personal behavior. Students shall be encouraged to base their actions on reasoning, self-discipline, sense of responsibility, self-control and ethical considerations, such as respect for one's self and others. Students shall be taught not to make unwanted physical and verbal sexual advances or otherwise exploit another person. Students shall be taught to resist unwanted sexual advances and other negative peer pressure.

6.         Teach students about consent, sexual harassment and sexual violence. Specifically, students will be taught that:

A) Consent is a freely given agreement to the conduct at issue by a competent person, and that:

• An expression of lack of consent through words or conduct does not constitute consent.
• Lack of verbal or physical resistance does not constitute consent.
• Submission resulting from the use of force, threat of force or fear does not constitute consent.
• A current or previous dating, social or sexual relationship between two parties does not by itself constitute consent.
• The manner of dress chosen by a person does not constitute consent.

 B) Sexual harassment is uninvited and unwelcome verbal or physical behavior of a sexual nature, especially by a person in authority toward a subordinate.

C) Sexual violence is causing or attempting to cause another to engage involuntarily in any sexual act by force, threat of force, duress or without the person's consent. 

7.         Advise students of the laws pertaining to their financial responsibility to children born in and out of wedlock and advise students of the provisions of Missouri law pertaining to statutory rape and statutory sodomy.

8.         Teach students about the characteristics of and ways to identify sexual predators.

9.         Teach students safe and responsible Internet use, including the dangers of online sexual predators, when using electronic communication methods such as the Internet, mobile phones, text messages, chat rooms, social media, e-mail and instant messaging.

10.       Instill in students the importance of having open communication with responsible adults, reporting any inappropriate situation, activity or abuse to a responsible adult and, depending on intent and content, to local law enforcement, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) or the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children's "CyberTipline."

11.       Explain the potential consequences, both personal and legal, of inappropriate text messaging and sexting, even among friends.

The district will not permit a person or entity to offer, sponsor or furnish in any manner any course materials or instruction relating to human sexuality or sexually transmitted diseases to its students if the person or entity is a provider of abortion services. No district personnel or agents, acting in their official capacities, will encourage any student to have an abortion.

 

Sexual Abuse

In accordance with law, the district will provide trauma-informed, developmentally appropriate training to students in grades 6–12 regarding sexual abuse including, but not limited to, instruction on:

1.         How to recognize sexual abuse;

2.         How to report an incident of sexual abuse;

3.         How to obtain assistance and intervention; and

4.         Resources for students affected by sexual abuse.

Adopted 11/19/2020

 

Policy IGBCA

The Rolla Public Schools Board of Education recognizes that homeless students are particularly vulnerable and need special assistance to access and benefit from the education environment. Therefore, the district, in accordance with state and federal law and the Missouri state plan for education of the homeless, will give special attention to ensure that homeless students in the district are promptly identified and have access to a free and appropriate public education and related support services.

Homeless students are individuals who lack a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence and include the following:

1. Children and youths who are sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship or a similar reason; are living in motels, hotels, trailer parks or camping grounds due to the lack of alternative adequate accommodations; are living in emergency or transitional shelters; or are abandoned in hospitals.
2. Children and youths who have a primary nighttime residence that is a public or private place not designated for or ordinarily used as a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings.
3.  Children and youths who are living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations or similar settings.
4. Migratory children who meet one of the above-described circumstances.

 

District Liaison for Homeless Students

The Board designates the following individual to act as the district's liaison for homeless students (homeless liaison):

Assistant Superintendent - Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment

Rolla Public Schools

500A Forum Drive

Rolla, MO 65401

Phone: 573-458-0100 / Fax: 573-458-0105

Last Revised Date: 3/21/2019

See the DESE Trauma-Informed Schools Initiative to parents/guardians §161.1050 RSMO policy by clicking here.

 

(Policy: JHDA)

Inspection

Any parent may inspect, upon request, any instructional material used as part of the educational curriculum and all instructional materials, including teachers' manuals, films, tapes or other supplementary material, that will be used in connection with any survey, analysis or evaluation as part of any applicable program. Further, a parent may inspect, upon request, a survey created by a third party before the survey is administered or distributed by a school to a student. The term "instructional material" does not include academic tests or academic assessments.

In general, the district will not collect, disclose or use personal student information for the purpose of marketing or selling that information or otherwise providing the information to others for that purpose. In the rare case where the district may collect information from students for the purpose of marketing or selling that information, parents may inspect any instrument used before the instrument is administered or distributed to a student, upon request and in accordance with Board policy.

 

Consent Required

In accordance with law, no student, as part of any program wholly or partially funded by the U.S. Department of Education, shall be required to submit to a survey, analysis or evaluation (hereafter referred to as "protected information survey") that reveals any of the following information without written consent of a parent:

1.         Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or the student's parent.

2.         Mental or psychological problems of the student or the student's family.

3.         Sex behavior or attitudes.

4.         Illegal, antisocial, self-incriminating or demeaning behavior.

5.         Critical appraisals of other individuals with whom respondents have close family relationships.

6.         Legally recognized privileged or analogous relationships, such as those of lawyers, physicians and ministers.

7.         Religious practices, affiliations or beliefs of the student or the student's parent.

8.         Income other than that required by law to determine eligibility for participation in a program or for receiving financial assistance under such program.

 

Notice and Opportunity to Opt Out

In accordance with law, parents will receive prior notice and an opportunity to opt a student out of:

1.         Any other protected information survey, as defined above, regardless of the funding source.

2.         Any non-emergency, invasive physical exam or screening required as a condition of attendance, administered by the school or its agent and not necessary to protect the immediate health and safety of a student, or any physical exam or screening permitted or required under state law, except for hearing, vision or scoliosis screenings.

3.         Activities involving the collection, disclosure or use of personal information obtained from students for marketing, selling or otherwise distributing information to others.

The district will directly notify parents at the beginning of the school year of the specific or approximate dates during the school year when the above-listed activities will occur or are expected to be scheduled.

Notification of Policy and Privacy

In accordance with law, parents will be directly notified of this policy at least annually at the beginning of the school year and within a reasonable period of time after any substantive change in the policy.

The district will take measures to protect the identification and privacy of the students participating in a protected information survey, regardless of the source of funding. These measures may include limiting access to the completed surveys and the survey results as allowed by law. All student educational records will be protected in accordance with law and Board policy JO.

The provisions of this policy applicable to parents will transfer to a student who is 18 years old or emancipated.

 

Rolla 31   Original Adopted Date: 6/18/1998   Last Revised: 6/5/2008

 

RPS Policy: IL-AP(1)

 

ASSESSMENT PROGRAM- (Other Than State-Mandated Reading Assessment)

 

The curriculum coordinator serves as coordinator of the district’s assessment program. Assessment is coordinated at the building level by the guidance counselor, who is also responsible for providing in-service training on the assessment program to staff. Board policy ILA addresses test security. Pertinent Board policy addressing test security and administration will be reviewed annually with all faculty.

 

Following are the standardized tests administered to all students in the Rolla Public Schools, and the purpose of administering each. Additional tests are also described.

 

Developmental Indicators for the Assessment of Learning -DIAL-3 is administered for Kindergarten. These tests are administered to students as a Kindergarten screening and to students who plan to enroll in kindergarten the following Fall. It is administered during the Spring.

 

Missouri Assessment Program (MAP) for Science is administered to grades 5, 8, and 11. Communication Arts is administered to grades 3 through 8 and 11. Social Studies is not offered. Math is administered to grades 3 through 8 and 10. PE Physical Fitness Assessment is administered to grades 5 and 9. The Criterion reference test is required by the State of Missouri and tests student mastery on key skills identified by the state and helps to identify curricular strengths and weaknesses. These tests are administered in the Spring.

 

End of Course Assessments for Algebra 1, Biology, and English 2 are administered for grades 8 to 12. These are required for graduation and are administered in the Fall, Winter, and Spring.

 

The Missouri Constitution Test is administered in grade 8. It is required for graduation and is administered in the Spring.

 

The United States Constitution Test is administered in grade 8. It is required for graduation and is administered in the Spring.

 

STAR Reading is administered to grades 1 through 11 and assesses student reading level. This test is administered throughout the year.

 

Gates MacGinite Reading Assessment is administered to grades 3 through 7. It is a reading diagnostic test and is administered throughout the year.

 

Woodcock-Munoz Test is administered to grades K through 12. It is an English proficiency test used to screen for Limited English Proficient Students. It is administered throughout the year.

 

Maculaitis Assessment (MAC2) is administered to grades K through 12. It measures English proficiency in speaking, listening, reading, and writing. It is administered in the Spring.

 

ADDITIONAL TESTS GIVEN

 

PLAN test is administered to grade 12. It assists in preparation for ACT and career guidance. It is administered in the Fall.

 

Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT/NMSAT) is administered to grades 10 and 11. This test is in preparation for the SAT and for participation in the National Scholarship Program. Students may take both years. It is administered in the Fall.

 

Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) is administered to grades 10, 11, and 12 for college admissions and is administered throughout the year.

 

American College Test (ACT) is administered to grades 10 , 11, and 12 for college admissions and is administered throughout the year.

 

Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is administered to grade 10. It is an aptitude/interest test. It is returned to students and used by English 2 teachers in career planning. It is administered in the Fall.

 

Advanced Placement (AP) tests are administered to grades 11 and 12. It is for college credit and disseminated to college students and AP coordinator. It is administered in the Spring.

 

Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale - Revised (WAIS-R) is administered to special needs students and for college scholarships. It is intelligence testing for the placement of special needs students and for Missouri scholars. It is administered as needed.

 

Wechsler Intelligence Scale - For Children (WISC-2) is administered to special needs students and for college scholarships. It is intelligence testing for the placement of special needs students and for Missouri scholars. It is administered as needed.

 

National French, German, and Latin Exams are administered to grades 10, 11, and 12. It is for student achievement in foreign language. It is administered in the Spring.

 

Woodcock Johnson, Psychoeducational Battery is administered to special needs students and grades 10, 11, and 12. It is used for the placement of special needs students and as an individual achievement test for grades 10, 11, and 12. It is administered as needed.

 

Hollands Self-Directed Search is administered for special needs students and for grades 10, 11, and 12. It is used as a vocational assessment and is administered as needed.

 

Test of Language Development (TOLD) is administered for special needs students and for grades 10, 11, and 12. It is used as a language assessment and is administered as needed.

 

Informal Learning Modalities Test is administered for special needs students and for grades 10, 11, and 12. It is used as a diagnostic assessment and is administered as needed.

 

Missouri Connections (KUDER) is administered to grades 7-10. It is an education and career planning interest/skill assessment and for building a personal portfolio. It is administered as needed.

 

Rolla 31          Date Issued: 10/16/2008

Original Date Issued: 7/29/1998

 

Missouri school districts are responsible for meeting the educational needs of an increasingly diverse student population by providing a wide range of resources and support to ensure that all students have the opportunity to succeed and be college prepared and career ready.  Our school district has programs designed to help meet the unique educational needs of children working to learn the English language, students who are advanced learners, students with disabilities, homeless students, the children of migrant workers, and neglected or delinquent students.  For more information contact the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources at 583-458-0100.  (20 U.S.C. §6391, §6812, 42 U.S.C. 11431 Policies IGBH, IGBCA, IGBCB)