Handbook

Mission Statement

The Joseph Badger Local School District will provide academic excellence to all students through an effective and challenging learning environment that encourages students to become independent thinkers and lifelong learners. 

Philosophy

The philosophy of education of Badger High School is that education must offer to all individuals the means of providing for their needs, their own welfare and an understanding of the rights and responsibilities of these.  Education must, in a democratic society, provide for all children within the whole social order a meaningful progression of knowledge, a program for individual growth and a means of fruitful responsibility while being mindful of other people’s rights.

Such an education must be provided by both external and internal classroom situations and with the aid of all agencies available to the school to complete this weighty task.  Such an education must relate to the child’s back-ground, his/her ability, and his/her aspirations and must be well grounded in the community from which the student comes.

America’s future leaders sit today at the classroom desk.  It is our responsibility along with family and community to provide the instructions that will prepare these individuals for the future.

The general education goals are as follows:

  1. To develop a strong, versatile curriculum which will serve the needs of all individuals.
  2. To ensure that students have a usable knowledge of the basics of reading, writing and math skills.
  3. To provide the knowledge and attitudes needed for all students to be able to hold a responsible job and provide a living for him/her.
  4. To help each student acquire a positive attitude to educational achievement by a better understanding of his potential.
  5. To make a student aware of the effects of local, state, and world events in shaping their own lives and the knowledge to make him/her a participating, contributing member of a democratic society.
  6. To have an understanding of social values so that the student will respect himself, his property and the property of others.
  7. To develop an appreciation for nature and the arts.
  8. To enjoy physical and mental health, to participate in wholesome recreation and to make profitable use of leisure time.

Bell Schedule

7:05                                   Breakfast
7:30 –   8:20                    1st Period
8:23 –   9:13                     2nd Period
9:16 – 10:06                    3rd Period
10:09 – 10:59                 4th Period
11:02 – 11:32                      Lunch
11:36 – 12:26                  5th Period
12:29 – 1:19                    6th Period
1:22  –  2:12                     7th Period

Student Code of Conduct

This code of conduct was prepared through the combined efforts of community members, parents, students, teachers, and administrators.  It is reviewed and updated annually.

In compliance with the provision of the Ohio Revised code 3313.661, the Joseph Badger Board of Education has approved and adopted the procedures and guideline of the student code of conduct.

Statement of Initiation:

The Joseph Badger Board of Education’s primary concern is that students who wish to learn do so in an environment conducive to learning and that every available disciplinary and prescriptive means is employed on behalf of those who would destroy or deny such an environment.

Jurisdiction:

The rules and standards set forth in this policy apply to conduct on school premises which directly affects other students or the school, and to conduct at school functions of any kind.

Penalties:

A violation of any of the rules and standards set forth in this policy may result in expulsion, suspension, detention, or removal from curricular, co-curricular and extracurricular activities.

Code of Conduct:

Any conduct which causes or which creates a likelihood that it will cause disruption or interference with any school function, activity or purpose or creates a likelihood that disruption or interference with the health, safety or well-being or right of other students is prohibited.  Not all acts of misconduct can be itemized.  The following is an enumeration of some of the main areas of conduct which lead to disciplinary action.

Points To Keep In Mind In Regards To Misconduct:

  1. Proper behavior is something we all must learn.  It is perhaps the most important educational lesson to be learned.
  2. You may have the right to decide not to learn in a democracy; however you have no right to interfere with the education or rights or others in any way.
  3. Please note the corrective action is listed as probable in all cases. An attempt will be made to have the corrective action relate reasonably to the offense.

Misconduct

Public display of affection
Tardiness to school
Tardy to class
Unexcused absence from school
Cheating
Disturbance in an Assembly
Non-conformance to dress code
Obscene materials trading, passing, writing or possessing.
Truancy and/or skipping classes
Off Limits
Safety Violation
Failure to serve regular after school detentions on assigned day without prior approval from the office
Profanity
Inappropriate student behavior/conduct hazing, rowdiness, verbal misconduct
Harassment
Gambling
Tobacco, smoking use, possession, transmitting, or concealing.  Includes possession / use of smoke-less, lighter or matches.
Violating the Computer and Network Use Agreement
Reckless or unauthorized operation of a motor vehicle
Violation of TCTC or other affiliated school’s code of conduct which results in suspension or expulsion from that school
Insubordination and/or disrespect
Failure to serve Sat. Detention
Refusal to accept disciplinary action
Forging staff name on a pass
Falsifying school data
Fighting / Inciting or assisting a fight
Theft Public / Private
Vandalism Public / Private
Damage to school
Firecrackers / fireworks
Other incendiary devices
Alcoholic beverage / look alike beverages possession, use or transmitting
Possession or use of firearms, explosives, or similar items
Drugs / look alike drugs possession, use, concealing or transmitting, drug paraphernalia
Extortion
Setting off false alarm
Use of  pagers, lasers, cell phones and other electronic devices including handheld computers, PDA’s and laptops during school day without prior permission.
Possession of weapons or look alike weapons
Use of weapons to cause bodily harm
Unauthorized use of fire
Bomb Threat
Verbal attack (threats directed to school personnel or students)
Assault or physical attack
Distribution or sale of drugs, narcotics, marijuana, or anything under drugs, pretense of drugs or look alike.
Bus misconduct
Failure to serve suspension

Policies

Substance Abuse:

A first time substance abuse offender may have his/her suspension reduced from the recommended 10 days, pending completion of a professional chemical assessment with a certified agency upon the recommendation of the building principal (All assessment expenses shall be the responsibility of the parent / guardian).  Notification of the assessment being arranged with the agency must be provided to the principal within 48 hours (2 school days).  Completion of the assessment must be within the time established by the principal or the complete suspension will be served.

Hazing and Bullying/Cyberbullying

The prohibition against hazing, dating violence, harassment, intimidation or bullying is publicized in student handbooks and in the publications that set the standard of conduct for schools and students in the District. In addition, information regarding the policy is incorporated into employee handbooks and training materials.

School Personnel Responsibilities and Complaint Procedures

Hazing, bullying behavior and/or dating violence by any student/school personnel in the District is strictly prohibited, and such conduct may result in disciplinary action, including suspension and/or expulsion from school. Hazing bullying and/or dating violence means any intentional written, verbal, graphic or physical acts, including electronically transmitted acts, either overt or covert, by a student or group of students toward other students/school personnel with the intent to haze, harass, intimidate, injure, threaten, ridicule or humiliate. Such behaviors are prohibited on or immediately adjacent to school grounds, at any school-sponsored activity; in any district publication; through the use of any District-owned or operated communication tools, including but not limited to District e-mail accounts and/or computers; on school-provided transportation or at any official school bus stop.

Hazing, bullying and/or dating violence can include many different behaviors. Examples of conduct that could constitute prohibited behaviors include, but are not limited to:

  1. Physical violence and/or attacks;
  2. Threats, taunts and intimidation through words and/or gestures;
  3. Extortion, damage or stealing of money and/or possessions;
  4. Exclusion from the peer group or spreading rumors;
  5. Repetitive and hostile behavior with the intent to harm others through the use of information and communication technologies and other web-based/online sites (also known as “cyber bullying”), such as the following:
  • Posting slurs on websites, social networking sites, blogs or personal online journals;
  • Sending abusive or threatening e-mails, website postings or comments and instant messages;
  • Using camera phones to take embarrassing photographs or videos of students and/or distributing or posting the photos or videos online and
  • Using websites, social networking sites, blogs or personal online journals, emails or instant messages to circulate gossip and rumors to other students

6. Excluding others from an online group by falsely reporting them for inappropriate language to Internet service providers.

In evaluating whether conduct constitutes hazing or bullying, special attention is paid to the words chosen or the actions taken, whether such conduct occurred in front of others or was communicated to others, how the perpetrator interacted with the victim and the motivation, either admitted or appropriately inferred.

Teachers and Other School Staff

Teachers and other school staff who witness acts of hazing, bullying and/or dating violence as defined above, promptly notify the building principal/designee of the event observed, and promptly file a written incident report concerning the events witnessed.

Teachers and other school staff who receive student or parent reports of suspected hazing, bullying and/or dating violence promptly notify the building principal/designee of such report(s). If the report is a formal, written complaint, the complaint is forwarded to the building principal/designee no later than the next school day. If the report is an informal complaint by a student that is received by a teacher or other professional employee, he/she prepares a written report of the informal complaint that is forwarded to the building principal/designee no later than the next school day.

Complaints

Formal Complaints

Students and/or their parents or guardians may file reports regarding suspected hazing, harassment, intimidation, bullying and/or dating violence. The reports should be written. Such written reports must be reasonably specific including person(s) involved; number of times and places of the alleged conduct; the target of suspected harassment, intimidation and/or bullying and the names of any potential student or staff witnesses. Such reports may be filed with any school staff member or administrator. They are promptly forwarded to the building principal/designee for review and action.

Informal Complaints

Students, parents or guardians and school personnel may make informal complaints of conduct that they consider to be harassment, intimidation and/or bullying by verbal report to a teacher, school administrator or other school personnel. Such informal complaints must be reasonably specific as to the actions giving rise to the suspicion of hazing, harassment, intimidation and/or bullying, including person(s) involved, number of times and places of the alleged conduct, the target of the prohibited behavior(s) and the names of any potential student or staff witness. The school staff member or administrator who receives the informal complaint promptly documents the complaint in writing, including the above information. This written report by the school staff member and/or administrator is promptly forwarded to the building principal/designee for review and action.

Anonymous Complaints

Students who make informal complaints as set forth above may request that their name be maintained in confidence by the school staff member(s) and administrator(s) who receive the complaint. The anonymous complaint is reviewed and reasonable action is taken to address the situation, to the extent such action (1) does not disclose the source of the complaint, and (2) is consistent with the due process rights of the student(s) alleged to have committed acts of hazing, bullying, and/or dating violence.

Intervention Strategies

Teachers and Other School Staff

In addition to addressing both informal and formal complaints, school personnel are encouraged to address the issue of hazing, bullying and/or dating violence in other interactions with students.

School personnel may find opportunities to educate students about harassment, hazing, intimidation and bullying and help eliminate such prohibited behaviors through class discussions, counseling and reinforcement of socially appropriate behavior. School personnel should intervene promptly whenever they observe conduct that has the purpose or effect of ridiculing, humiliating or intimidating another student/school personnel, even if such conduct does not meet the formal definition of harassment, hazing, intimidation or bullying.

Administrator Responsibilities

  • Investigation

The principal/designee is notified of any formal or informal complaint of suspected harassment, hazing, intimidation or bullying. Under the direction of the building principal/designee, all such complaints are investigated promptly. A written report includes findings of fact, a determination of whether acts of hazing, bullying and/or dating violence were verified, and when prohibited acts are verified, a recommendation for intervention, including disciplinary action, is included in the report.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, when a student making an informal complaint has requested anonymity, the investigation of such complaint is limited as is appropriate in view of the anonymity of the complaint. Such limitation of the investigation my include restricting action to a simple review of the complaint (with or without discussing it with the alleged perpetrator), subject to receipt of further information and/or the withdrawal by the complaining student of the condition that his/her report be anonymous.

  • Nondisciplinary Interventions

When verified acts of hazing, bullying and/or dating violence are identified early and/or when such verified acts do not reasonably require a disciplinary response, students may be counseled as to the definition of the behavior, its prohibition and their duty to avoid any conduct that could be considered harassing, hazing, intimidating and/or bullying.

If a complaint arises out of conflict between students or groups of students, peer mediation may be considered. Special care, however, is warranted in referring some cases to peer mediation. A power imbalance may make the process intimidating for the victim and therefore inappropriate. The victim’s communication and assertiveness skills may be low and could be further eroded by fear resulting from past intimidation and fear of future intimidation. In such cases, the victim should be given additional support. Alternatively, peer mediation may be deemed inappropriate to address the concern.

  • Disciplinary Interventions

When acts of harassment, intimidation and bullying are verified and a disciplinary response is warranted, students are subject to the full range of disciplinary consequences. Anonymous complaints that are not otherwise verified, however, cannot provide the basis for disciplinary action.

In and out-of-school suspension may be imposed only after informing the accused perpetrator of the reasons for the proposed suspension and giving him/her an opportunity to explain the situation.

Expulsion may be imposed only after a hearing before the Board of Education, a committee of the Board or an impartial hearing officer designated by the Board of Education in accordance with Board policy. This consequence is reserved for serious incidents of harassment, intimidation or bullying and/or when past intervention has not been successful in eliminating prohibited behaviors.

Allegations of criminal misconduct are reported to law enforcement, and suspected child abuse is reported to Child Protective Services, per required timelines.

Report to the Parent or Guardian of the Perpetrator

If, after investigation, acts of harassment, intimidation and bullying by a specific student are verified, the building principal/designee notifies the parent or guardian of the perpetrator, in writing, of that finding. If disciplinary consequences are imposed against such student, a description is included in such notification.

Strategies are developed and implemented to protect students from additional harassment, intimidation or bullying, and from retaliation following reporting of incidents.

Report to the Victim and His/Her Parent or Guardian

If, after investigation, acts of bullying or hazing against a specific student are verified, the building principal/designee notifies the parent/guardian of the victim of the finding. In providing such notification, care must be taken to respect the statutory privacy rights of the perpetrator.

Bully matters, including the identity of both the charging party and the accused, are kept confidential to the extent possible. Although discipline may be imposed against the accused upon a finding of guilt, retaliation is prohibited.

School administrators shall notify both the parents of a student who commits acts of harassment, intimidation, bullying and/or dating violence and the parents or guardians of students against whom such acts were committed, and shall allow access to any written reports pertaining to the incident, to the extent permitted by law.

Police and Child Protective Services

In addition to, or instead of, filing a complaint through this policy, a complainant may choose to exercise other options including, but not limited to, filing a complaint with outside agencies or filing a private lawsuit. Nothing prohibits a complainant from seeking redress under any other provision of the Ohio Revised Code or common law that may apply.

The District must also investigate incidents of hazing, bullying and/or dating violence for the purpose of determining whether there has been a violation of District policy or regulations, even if law enforcement and/or the public children’s services are also investigating. All District personnel must cooperate with investigations by outside agencies.

Disciplinary Actions

Due Process: Student Due Process Rights

Discipline and order in school is essential if the educational function is to be performed.  Boards of Education possess broad authority to prescribe and enforce standards of student conduct.  This authority must be exercised in a manner which is consistent with constitutional safeguards.  The Supreme Court has held that Ohio’s free public education and attendance laws (R.C. 3314.48, 3313.64, Chapter 3321) create a property interest for each Ohio school resident.  This property interest may not be taken away for misconduct without adherence to the fundamentally fair procedures required by the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.  Due process requires, with regards to a suspension of ten days or less, that the student receives notice of the charges, and if he denies them, an explanation of the evidence school officials have and an opportunity to present his version of the event.  Parents have the right to an appeal hearing is so desired.

Detentions

Detentions are assigned by the principal.
Detention Rules: (students are not permitted to)

  1. Talk
  2. Sleep
  3. Chew gum
  4. Use radios, or tape/CD players
  5. Get up / walk around
  6. Leave the room without permission
  7. Cause a disturbance
  8. Have snacks / drinks of any kind

Suspension:

Suspension or expulsion will result in exclusion from all activities for the 24 hour period including after school activities for the period of the suspension or expulsion.

Co-curricular and Extra-curricular Activities:

Athletes and members of clubs or other activities are expected to adhere to school policy during any function, competition, etc.  Violation of any section of this code during extra or co-curricular activity may result in appropriate action as outlined in this code.

Badger High School Student Dress Code

It has been the experience of Badger Schools that certain habits of dress will at times disrupt the educational process and thus will not be conductive to a good learning situation.  Also, certain types of dress may present a concern for the health and safety of the student and may be hazardous to them in school activities such as Art, Laboratory work, Physical Education classes, Family and Consumer Science classes, Industrial Art classes etc.  Certain types of dress may also cause problems of maintenance; for example: cleats on shoes that scratch floors and trousers with metal rivets that scratch furniture.

The purpose of this dress code is not to deny personal rights, but to help students establish habits of good grooming and modesty in modes of dress, and to provide students with consistent guidelines of acceptability in appearance, as provided by ORC.3313.665

General Dress Code:

  1. Articles of clothing must be worn according to the purpose for which they designed.
  2. No sun glasses or tinted glasses except prescription are to be worn.
  3. Personal items including articles of clothing that are illegal or derogatory towards political, religious, racial, or national groups are not permitted.
  4. Students may use book bags to bring books to school.  These book bags must remain in the student’s lockers and are not permitted in any other part of the building.
  5. No clothing, patches, emblems, or slogans that relate to obscenity, drugs, alcohol, tobacco or gangs will be permitted.
  6. The following apparel or modes of dress will not be permitted in school: transparent and/or see through clothing, form fitting clothing, bare midriffs, sleeveless shirts or blouses, shrinks, half tops and fishnet tops unless worn with either shirts or blouses, pajamas.
  7. Torn clothing or apparel that is not repaired or does not provide adequate body coverage will not be permitted.
  1. The wearing of caps, hats, or other inappropriate headgear will not be permitted at any time in school.
  2. Shoes and / or sandals must be worn at all times.  flip-flops or athletic sandals are not permitted.
  3. Outside jackets of any kind are not permitted to be worn at anytime during school unless approved by the individual classroom teacher.
  4. Obvious lack of undergarments is prohibited.
  5. Hair shall be kept neat and clean and at a length suitable for the activity.
  6. Dress shorts are permitted NO shorter then fingertip or acceptable length with arms held in natural standing position.  NO running / jogging, gym shorts, biking shorts, or cut-offs will be permitted.  Shorts are permitted ONLY during the first and fourth quarters.
  7. Skirt length must also be NO shorter than fingertip length with arms held in natural standing position in order to be in compliance with dress code.  Any mode of dress, clothing, jewelry or cosmetic may be regulated when said attire is inappropriate, bizarre, disruptive, or unsafe in the educational process as determined by the teacher or principal.

This code applies to all school related functions in which the student participates or is a spectator in the high school.  Students violating the dress policy will be sent to the office and will be subject to disciplinary action.

Joseph Badger Local School District Transportation Code of Conduct

Ohio Law requires transportation for pupils in Kindergarten through Eighth grade who live more than two miles from school.  Transportation may be provided for pupils attending high school.  Ohio Law also allows for the suspension and termination of bus riding privileges.

The Joseph Badger Local School District’s concern for the safety and will being of students being transported has resulted in the adoption of the following bus transportation code of conduct.  Some violations may call for referral to the high school office for disciplinary actions with the student code of conduct.  We hope parents will review this code and discuss proper behavior with their children so the need for suspension and / or termination of transportation is avoided.  Your cooperation would be greatly appreciated.

Bus Code of Conduct:

       1. To maintain morning schedule, students must be ready and waiting at assigned stop.  This means at the edge of the road, not in the doorway, garage, etc.

  1. Parents are responsible for their children at the bus stop.
  2. Students must wait for the bus to come to a stop before crossing the roadway to board the bus.
  3. Students are to make eye contact with the driver before crossing in front of the bus.  NEVER CROSS BEHIND THE BUS.
  4. Upon entering the bus, students should take their seats immediately and remain there until leaving the bus.
  5. In the event of an emergency, all students are to remain on the bus unless otherwise instructed.
  6. No one is to tamper with the bus contents or damage the bus in any way.  Parents will be financially responsible for any damage by their children.
  7. No part of the student’s body shall be extended through bus windows.
  8. Students shall obey instructions and requests of the driver.
  9. Nothing shall be thrown within the bus.  Students are responsible for the area (seat) to which they are assigned.
  10. No loud boisterous talking, laughing, whistling, or unnecessary noise is permitted.  STUDENTS ARE TO BE SILENT AT RAILROAD CROSSINGS.
  11. Except in special circumstances authorized by the principal, students will not be permitted to ride a bus other than their assigned bus.  Students wishing to ride a different bus must have a note in advance, signed by their parent / guardian, as well as the building principal.
  12. Students are not to go to the mail / paper box before entering or leaving the bus.
  13. Fighting, pushing, shoving, profanity, or any other behavior that may be considered disruptive or distracting to the driver’s ability to operate the bus safely, will not be tolerated.
  14. Violations of any of the above rules will result in the following:
  15. First Offense: Verbal warning by the driver with documentation.  Contact report given to the transportation director, and sent to the parents (Form A).
  16. Second Offense: Conduct report to transportation director – 3 day suspension from the bus (Form B).
  17. Third Offense: Conduct report to transportation director – 5 day suspension from the bus (Form C).
  18. Fourth Offense: Conduct report to transportation director – 10 day suspension from the bus (Form D).
  19. Fifth Offense: Conduct report to transportation director – all transportation terminated (Form E).
  20. If an infraction is determined by the bus supervisor with input from the building principal that is a more serious nature then additional discipline may be considered.
  21. Students also face possible suspension from school upon the bus infraction (Possession of alcohol, tobacco, etc.).

Attendance Policy

In order to maintain the educational process to teach good work attendance, to meet Ohio Compulsory Attendance Laws and to meet the increasing pressures of student accountability, the following attendance policy is hereby adopted by the Joseph Badger Board of Education.

Parents and / or guardians must make good attendance a priority and take responsibility that their children are in compliance with school policies.  The school cannot teach pupils who are not present.  The entire process of education requires a continuity of instruction, classroom participation, learning experiences and study in order to reach a goal of maximum educational benefits.

Students who miss school frequently experience great difficulty in achieving the maximum benefits of education.  As a result, these students are only able to achieve limited success in their school program.  Parents may be required to attend a mandatory Parent Education Program when excessive students tardies, absences, or suspensions occur as established by Ohio Revised Code 3313.663

Family vacations must be pre-approved by the administration to receive an excused absence.  Written request from the parents for vacation approval is to be submitted at least one (1) week (5 school days) prior to the date of vacation.

Students participating in school sponsored and / or sanctioned activities will be considered in attendance.

The Ohio Law requires school attendance for all persons between the ages of six and eighteen.  Excused absences are granted only for:

  1. Personal illness
  2. Illness in family (applies to children over 14)
  3. Death of a relative
  4. Quarantine of home.
  5. Observance of religious holidays
  6. Emergency or set of circumstances judged as sufficient cause by school authorities.

Students who are considered unexcused and/or truant will not receive make-up class work for materials missed.  Teachers are not responsible for providing missed assignments, test or other written requirements.  It is the responsibility of each student to keep current with all materials missed during an absence.

Attendance Procedure for High School Students

  1. Student Absence / Calling off Your Student:

Parents are required to call the school on the day their son/daughter is absent and state the reason for the absence.   Upon return to school the student must bring a note stating the date(s) of absence, the reason, and the parent / guardian signatures.  All notes are to be taken to the attendance office.   The student will then receive an admit slip for class.

  1. Student Attendance Required:

Students absent from school or a class more than eighteen (18) days per year will be in danger of losing credit.  Parents may also face a mandatory “Parent Education Program” (ORC 3313.663).  All absences excused, unexcused and suspension out of school will be counted towards the 18 day absence policy.  The only exception is students who are hospitalized or under the care of a doctor.  Medical excuses must be validated in writing by a doctor and must be presented with twenty-four (24) hours upon return to school.  Students in attendance for less than half a class period will be counted as absent for the period unless excused by the principal.

  1. Revocation of Driver’s License:

When a student has been absent without a legitimate excuse for more than 10 consecutive days, or a total of 15 days in any semester, that student may have his/her temporary instruction or driver’s license suspended by the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (ORC 3321.13).

  1. Medical and Dental Appointments:

These appointments should be arranged outside of school hours if at all possible.  If a student must leave for a planned appointment, which had been pre-arranged, he/she will bring a note explaining the reason for the request and the time the student is to be dismissed and signed by a parent/guardian.  The note is to be turned into the high school secretary by 7:35 a.m.  The student will be issued a permit to leave the building and must report to the office to sign out at the scheduled time.  The student then leaves the building.  “If a student must leave the building unexpectedly for any reason, he/she must have permission and a pass from the office”.  The office then makes the necessary arrangements for an early dismissal.

  1. Tardy to School:

Students arriving after 7:00 a.m. are to report to the high school office where they will sign in and be given a pass to enter class.  ONLY DOCUMENTED MEDICAL TARDIES WILL BE EXCUSED.  All other tardies to school will be subject to disciplinary action as outlined in the student code of conduct.  Repeated tardiness will not be accepted.  Students who are habitually tardy will be reported to the County Attendance Officer.  A “Parent Education Program” may be required.

  1. Participation in After School/Extra-curricular Activities:

Students who are absent for the day are not permitted to participate in, or attend after school functions (ie: Athletic events, club activities, school programs, etc.).  Students who wish to participate in or attend after school/extra curricular activities must be in school for a minimum of half a day on the day the activity occurs.  It is the responsibility of the student/parent to notify the activity sponsor of non-participation in the event a student is dismissed from school due to illness.  Any exceptions to this policy must be approved by the principal.

  1. Unexcused Absence/Truancy:

Students who are considered unexcused and/or truant will not receive make-up class work for material missed.  Teachers are not responsible for providing missed assignments, tests, or written requirements.  It is the responsibility of each student to keep informed of all materials missed during an excused and/or truant absence.

  1. Excused Absences:

Students with excused absences will be allowed one day for each day absent to turn in assignments.

  1. Student Vacation/Extended Absence Policy:

In the event of extended absences or family vacations, the student should have the opportunity to obtain assignments in advance.  A letter or request (if an excused absence is desired) should be submitted to the principal at least one (1) week before the departure for such vacations.  Test and assignments which are missed during such a period of absence will be made up at the discretion of the teachers.  Tests and assignments under above circumstances will be entered into the grade average for the period.  Under no circumstances should a teacher be expected to provide make-up tutoring.  Furthermore, it should be understood that the student must assume responsibility for full class activities, including test and advance assignments which are due on the day he/she returns to school.

  1. Age of Majority:

Students reaching the Age of Majority (over age 18) may choose to exercise their rights to act on their own behalf as an adult.  Appropriate request forms are available in the principal’s office.

General Rules

Surveillance Cameras

Students are duly informed that their behavior may be monitored on school property and/or adjacent property by security cameras.

For students’ safety and welfare, video surveillance cameras are placed throughout the building and school grounds.  Actions recorded on these cameras may be used as evidence in disciplinary action.  Any attempt to damage or interfere with the function of these devices will result in disciplinary action by the school and possible referral to local law enforcement agencies.

Halls

The halls of a school are just an extension of most classroom situations.  It must be remembered that most visitors see and are impressed by the condition existing in the halls.  Hall traffic should be limited to exchange of classes and necessary school functions; e.g. media center transit, restroom, etc.

Badger High School Campus off Limits

Off Limits Areas: Off limit areas are considered to be any areas in which students are not assigned or do not have passes in which to be.  Students are not permitted outside of the building during the school day unless office permission has been granted. Students are not permitted to remain in cars after arrival.  Whether a student takes the bus, drives, rides or walks to school, all students are to enter the building immediately.  Students are not to loiter on school property.  Badger High School campus includes building and property, and all parking lot areas,  During lunch periods, students are permitted in the cafeteria, and may use the restrooms with teacher permission.  Because classes are in session, all other halls and restrooms are off limits during this time, except for passage to and from classes.

Students Driving To School

Students who wish to park on school property must register their automobiles in the High School office.  Students must complete the parking request and adhere to all procedures.  This privilege will be provided to seniors and juniors in good standing on an “as available” basis.  This privilege will be offered to sophomores and freshmen on an emergency ONLY basis as approved by the principal.  Parking privileges may be denied or revoked based on attendance / truancy history or at the principal’s discretion.  Violations of any of the following regulations may result in disciplinary action, including losing the privilege of driving to and from school:

  1. All automobiles parked on school grounds must be registered with the school.
  2. Seniors may be given the opportunity to park in the staff/visitor parking lot.  Assigned spaces and permits may be required.
  3. Student parking is strictly limited to the student parking lot west of the building.
  4. No loitering or visiting in the parking lot.
  5. Speeding or reckless operation is prohibited.
  6. Students are not permitted in the parking lot during the school day.
  7. The parking lot is part of the school; therefore, all regulations within the school building also apply to the parking lot (Code of Conduct).
  8. All students must be licensed and covered by insurance.  The school is not responsible for any automobile or its contents.
  9. Parking violators will be towed at the owners cost.

Media Center

The wealth of reading and reference materials available at the school media center should become an integral part of every student’s education.  On days students wish to use the media center during study hall, they should stop at the media center before 1st period and request a pass.  They will then report directly to the media center instead of study hall.  Students may also visit the media center in the morning before classes.

Books are circulated for two weeks, periodicals and reference materials for one week.  Students with overdue books or magazines will not receive their report cards until all materials are returned.  Lost or damaged library materials must be reimbursed.  Students are asked to be considerate of others while in the media center.  Those students displaying inappropriate behavior may have their media center privileges suspended.

Lockers

Lockers will be assigned to all students when they receive their schedule.  It is each student’s responsibility to see that this locker is clean and orderly.  All students are strongly encouraged to secure their lockers with a lock.  Lockers remain the property of the Badger school District.  Students should refrain from putting anything in the lockers which would reflect poorly on them or Badger High School.  Lockers and their contents may be searched at any time by the principal or his designed. Students are to use only the lockers which have been assigned to them.

Dances

School sponsored dances (grade 9-12) are for Badger High School students.  Outside guests may be permitted only after verification and approval by the principal’s office.  Students below the 9th grade are not permitted to attend high school dances.  Outside guests must be under 20 years of age and be approved by the principal’s office 10 days prior to the dance.  All school rules/regulations apply to these activities.

Health Services

Several screening, classes and instruction will be done by the nurse during the school year.  Examples of these would be: vision, hearing, scoliosis screenings, hygiene, development, puberty classes (elementary & Middle school), blood borne pathogen, disease transmission, HIV, Aids facts, STD classes (middle & high), and variety of health and medical related instruction for all grade levels.  If you have a question regarding any classes or screening, you may call the school and speak with the nurse.

Written documented proof of state required vaccines MUST be provided to the school for your child to be enrolled in the school district.  Mandatory vaccine requirements change occasionally and a current list of the shots needed may be obtained from the school nurse.

Dispensation of Medicine

The Joseph Badger Local School Board of Education has adopted a policy concerning the dispensing of prescription drugs.  A copy is available from each building principal or at the Superintendent’s office.

Textbook Procedures

The Board of Education will furnish all textbooks for the pupils in our school district.  All such books owned by the Board of Education will bear the official seal of the board, and the date the book was first issued.  All students are responsible for the textbook issued by your teachers.  If the text is lost, it is the student’s responsibility to pay for the replacement of the misplaced book after one week.  Students are also responsible for having their own pencil and paper.

Telephones

Telephones are not available for student use except in emergency situations.  Permission MUST be received by an office staff member ONLY.  Students are encouraged to make ride arrangements, etc. before school.

Money

Any money brought to school will be responsibility of the student.  Each student is encouraged not to bring extra money or other valuables to school.

Fire and Tornado Drills

Fire and tornado drills will be held periodically.  They must be carried out in an orderly fashion and with all seriousness.  Students are to follow instructions and evacuate quickly and quietly.  Detailed information regarding proper procedures are posted in each classroom and will be reviewed by teachers.

Visitors to the Building

No one other than students, teachers, and employees of the Joseph Badger Board of Education are permitted in the school building without first reporting to the office and obtaining a visitor pass.  Student visitors are prohibited and will not be permitted to attend classes or visit during the school day.

Academics

Badger High School Program of Studies

A Program of Study is designed to provide all the factual information a student needs to meet Joseph Badger Board of Education Standards and State of Ohio Standards for graduation.  As an entering freshman, this course of study is applicable for the student’s four years in high school.  Each student is advised to keep this course of study handy for a ready reference throughout his/her high school career.  The student is responsible for the material contained herein and to ensure that all requirements are met.

I.  A minimum of 21 units of credit must be earned in grades 9 though 12.

  1. Graduating Classes Through 2013 (Juniors and Seniors)

ENGLISH    4 credits     Physical Ed.          1/2 credit

MATH           3 credits     Health                      1/2 credit

SCIENCE     3 credits

S. STUDIES         3 credits *

1 credit or (2) 1/2  credits courses in business / technology / fine arts, or foreign language are specific requirements for a diploma from Badger High School.

* Must earn 1 credit in U.S. History and 1/2 credit government and economics

  1. Graduating Classes  2014 and Beyond (Sophomores, Freshman & all lower Grades)

ENGLISH   4 credits       Physical Ed.          1/2 credit

MATH         4 credits *     Health                      1/2 credit

SCIENCE   3 credits **

S. STUDIES         3 credits ***

1 credit or (2) 1/2  credits courses in business / technology / fine arts, or foreign language are specific requirements for a diploma from Badger High School.

* Mathematics units must include 1 unit of algebra II or the equivalent of algebra II.

** Must include a physical science, life science and an advanced science

***Must earn 1 credit in U.S. History and 1/2 credit government and economics

II.  Selection of high school courses depends mainly on three factors:

  1. The student’s ability and interest.
  2. The profession or vocation the student is planning on pursuing.
  3. Future goals and job openings.

Students are urged to keep these factors in mind when selecting their course of study.

  1. College Prep – Recommended for students who plan to pursue advanced studies.
  2. Technical – Recommended for student planning to pursue a specific vocational career.  A student must be highly interested in an area and meet eligibility guidelines.  Please see the guidance counselor for specific requirements.

III.  College Entrance Requirements:

College entrance requirements vary with each college or university.  The following is to serve as a guideline for any student anticipating attending a college or university.

a) English – 4 credits
b) Math –3 or 4 credits Algebra I (Int Math II) , Algebra II, Geometry (Int Math III) and Trig/Pre-Calc.
c) Science –3 credits Anatomy, Chemistry or Physics
d) Foreign Language—most require at least two units of foreign language
e) Social Studies—3 or 4 credits
f) The Arts—1 credit—Choose courses from the Art or Music Department.

IV.  Career & Technical Program: General Requirements:

Students who plan to enter a two year vocational program must complete the following before they begin their junior year at the Trumbull Career and Technical Center:

Students need to complete 11 credits before entering T.C.T.C.  Please consult with the guidance counselor to ensure criteria established by T.C.T.C. has been met.  Signature of the parents, counselor and high school principal are required for enrollment.  Individual cases may be addressed by the principal.

To be eligible to apply to the T.C.T.C. the student must have passed all required course work in grade nine and be passing all coursework in grade ten.  The student has earned or will have earned at least 11 of the 21 required graduation credits before the start of their junior year.  The student has credits in line to graduate with the appropriate credits in the core areas:

English 2 credits
Mathematics 2 credits
Science 2 credits
Social Studies 2 credits
Physical Education ½ credit
Health ½ credit
Electives 2 credits

Applications will not be accepted after the deadline date of February 28th of each year.  Students not meeting these criteria will not participate in any T.C.T.C. recruitment activities during the regularly scheduled school day or be recommended/eligible for application

Pupil Classification:

9th Grade              0 units
10th Grade            5 units and enrolled in at least the 2nd year of high school
11th Grade            11 units and enrolled in at least the 3rd year of high school
12th Grade           17+ units and enrolled in at least the 4th year of high school

Student Load:

6 credits and participation in related activities should constitute the normal load of all pupils.  Every student is to carry a minimum of 6 full time credits.

Miscellaneous

  1. No student will be permitted to withdraw from a full year course (without permission from the principal, guidance counselor, teacher, and parent) after the first week of school.  Select your program carefully so that all graduation requirements stated in Section I are met.  Students withdrawing from a course after the first week must have school and parental permission and will receive a “Withdrawal Failing” for the year.
  1. An attempt will be made to give the students the courses that they select.  However, due to an insufficient number of students signing up for a specific course or scheduling difficulties, other courses will have to be substituted to fulfill the requirements of 6 periods of classes.  This substitution will be made by the high school principal upon  the recommendation of the guidance counselor.  Students should supply their optional choices on the course selection sheet.  If not provided, the counselor and high school principal will select them for you.
  1. Only 12th grade students or students who have spent three or more years in high school will be permitted to take American Government or English 12.  Neither course may be taken in summer school until four years are spent in regular high school, unless specific administrative permission is granted.
  1. With the exception of physical education, no summer school credit will be granted unless the course is not offered at an appropriate time for the student.  Permission must be granted by the high school principal and guidance counselor before enrolling in summer / correspondence school.
  1. No credit will be given for a semester subject or full year subject until the subject is completed.
  1. All required subjects failed must be repeated in sequential order in the next school year. Courses cannot be taken concurrently (i.e., student cannot take two English classes at the same time) unless permission is otherwise granted by the principal.
  1. A freshman must have their eighth grade teacher’s recommendation to take Algebra I, a foreign language, or Honors English 9.
  1. All juniors and seniors must take a minimum of one full credit of English each year.  Additional English coursework may be scheduled for enrichment, personal interest and/or remedial purposes above the required one unit minimum.
  1. No student shall be allowed to register / receive credit for any outside, remedial course that is on their current schedule unless specific administrative permission is granted.

Early Graduation

Students wishing early graduation must have a legitimate reason such as over-age post high school enrollment, illness or certified employment.  The student must submit a written request for early graduation and proof of vocational or college enrollment or proof of a legitimate job.  The school cannot approve early graduation for any student not having definite career goals.  Also, the student must notify the Guidance Counselor during the 10th grade so the proper schedule can be set up for the junior year.

Fee Schedule

Family and Consumer Sciences Industrial Arts
Family Relations $7.50 Manufacturing Tech. $8.00
Life Planning $7.50 Construction Tech $12.00
Nutrition & Wellness $15.00 Adv. Woods I & II $15.00
Parenting $15.00 Safety Glasses $3.00
Personal Development &
Resource Development $15.00

Forms

All forms must be turned into the high school office.
Emergency Medical Authorization
Privacy Act
Health History
Mobile Technology Agreement

Mobile Technology Policy and Procedures

Badger High School Mobile Technology Program

The focus of mobile technology in the Classrooms at Badger High School is to prepare students for their future, a world of digital technology and information. As we enter the second decade of the  twenty-first century, excellence in education requires that technology is seamlessly integrated throughout the educational program. Increasing access to technology is essential for that future, and the current learning tool of these twenty-first century students is the Netbook. The individual use of technology is a way to empower students to learn at their full potential and to prepare them for the real world of college and the workplace. Technology immersion does not diminish the vital role of the teacher. To the contrary, it transforms the teacher from a director of learning to a facilitator of learning. Learning with a Netbook integrates technology into the curriculum anytime, anyplace.

The policies, procedures and information within this document apply to all Netbooks used at Badger High School, including any other device considered by the Administration to come under this policy. Teachers may set additional requirements for computer use in their classroom.

1. TAKING CARE OF YOUR NETBOOK

Students are responsible for the general care of the Netbook they have been issued by the school. Netbooks that are broken or fail to work properly must be brought the attention of the classroom teacher.

1.1 General Precautions

No food or drink is allowed next to your Netbook while it is in use.
Cords, cables, and removable storage devices must be inserted carefully into the Netbook.
Students should never carry their Netbooks while the screen is open.
Netbooks should be shut down before moving them to conserve battery life.
Netbooks must remain free of any writing, drawing, stickers, or labels that are not the property of the Joseph Badger School District.

1.2 Carrying Netbooks

The Netbooks have sufficient padding to protect the Netbook from normal treatment and provide a suitable means for carrying the computer within the classroom/school. The guidelines below should be followed:

1.3 Screen Care

The Netbook screens can be damaged if subjected to rough treatment. The screens are particularly sensitive to damage from excessive pressure on the screen.
Do not lean on the top of the Netbook when it is closed.
Do not place anything near the Netbook that could put pressure on the screen.
Do not place anything on the keyboard before closing the lid (e.g. pens, pencils, or disks).

2. SOFTWARE ON NETBOOKS

2.1 Originally Installed Software

The software originally installed by the Joseph Badger School District must remain on the Netbook in usable condition and be easily accessible at all times.

From time to time the school may add software applications for use in a particular course. The licenses for this software require that the software be deleted from Netbooks at the completion of the course. Periodic checks of Netbooks will be made to ensure that the school has not exceeded its licenses.

2.2 Virus Protection

The Netbook has anti-virus protection software. This software will scan the hard drive for known viruses on boot up. The virus software will be upgraded from the network. The school’s servers are also installed with virus protection software.

2.3 Additional Software

Students are not allowed to load extra software on their Netbooks.

2.4 Inspection

The Netbooks will be selected at random for inspection on a regular basis.

2.5 Procedure for re-loading software

If technical difficulties occur or illegal software is discovered, the technician will reformat the hard drive.  Authorized software will be installed.  The school does not accept responsibility for the loss of any software deleted due to a re-format and re-image.

2.6 Software upgrades

Upgrade versions of licensed software are available from time to time. Students may be required to check in their Netbooks for periodic updates.

3. ACCEPTABLE USE

The Joseph Badger School District is pleased to be able to offer access to the district Netbooks which provide the necessary programs required by classes and the district network which provides access to student data storage, and the Internet. To gain access to these resources, students and parents must sign and return this form to the High School office.

While these materials are provided to enhance educational goals and objectives, students may find ways to access other materials that may not be considered educational or find ways to use provided hardware and software beyond its educational intent. For this reason, it is extremely important that rules be followed.  Misbehavior could result in temporary or permanent loss of access to the Internet or other technology privileges. Violations may result in disciplinary action up to and including suspension/ expulsion for students. When applicable, law enforcement agencies may be involved.

3.1 Parent/Guardian Responsibilities

Talk to your children about values and the standards that your children should follow on the use of the Internet just as you do on the use of all media information sources such as television, telephones, movies, and radio.

3.2 School Responsibilities are to:

Provide Internet access to its students.
Provide Internet filtering and blocking of inappropriate materials.
Provide network data storage areas.
These will be treated similar to school lockers. Joseph Badger School District reserves the right to review, monitor, and restrict information stored on or transmitted via Joseph Badger School District owned equipment and to investigate inappropriate use of resources.
Provide staff guidance to aid students in doing research and help assure student compliance of the acceptable use policy.

3.3 Students are Responsibilities for:

Using computers in a responsible and ethical manner.
Obeying general school rules concerning behavior and communication that apply to computer use.
Using all technology resources in an appropriate manner so as to not damage school equipment.
This “damage” includes, but is not limited to, the loss of data resulting from delays, non- deliveries, mis-deliveries or service interruptions caused by the students own negligence, errors or omissions. Use of any information obtained via Joseph Badger School District’s designated Internet System is at your own risk. Joseph Badger School District specifically denies any responsibility for the accuracy or quality of information obtained through its services.
Helping Joseph Badger School District protect the integrity and security of the network system by contacting an administrator about any problems they may encounter.
Monitoring all activity on their account(s).
Students should always log off the computer after they are done working to protect their accounts and files. If a student does not log off, any document or Internet activity under their name will be considered their responsibility.

3.4 Student Activities Strictly Prohibited:

Illegal installation or transmission of copyrighted materials
Any action that violates existing Board policy or public law
Access or use of any other e-mail program or account other than the one issued by the school-EX: Hotmail, Yahoo Mail, MSN Mail
Use of chat rooms, sites selling term papers, book reports and other forms of student work
Messaging services-EX: MSN Messenger, ICQ, etc
Internet/Computer Games
Use of outside program disks
Use of outside data disks without prior approval from the teacher.
Changing of computer settings
Downloading and Executing Files-EX: MSN Messenger, games, etc
Spamming-Sending mass or inappropriate emails
Gaining access to other student’s accounts, files, and/or data
Password sharing
Use of the school’s internet/E-mail accounts for financial or commercial gain or for any illegal   activity
Use of anonymous and/or false communications such as MSN Messenger, Yahoo Messenger
Students are not allowed to give out personal information, for any reason, over the Internet. This includes, but is not limited to, setting up internet accounts including those necessary for chat rooms, Ebay, email, etc.
Giving out personal information except in an instructional context or in the performance of Joseph Badger School District business and with permission of the school district.
Participation in credit card fraud, electronic forgery or other forms of illegal behavior.
Vandalism (any malicious attempt to harm or destroy hardware, software or data, including, but not limited to, the uploading or creation of computer viruses or computer programs that can infiltrate computer systems and/or damage software components) of school equipment will not be allowed
Transmission or accessing materials that are obscene, offensive, threatening or otherwise intended to harass or demean recipients.

3.5 Netbook Care

Students will be held responsible for proper handling and use of the Netbook.
Computer batteries must be charged and ready for school each day.
Students should check that the power cord is properly plugged into the Netbook when storing the Netbook in the classroom cart.
Only labels or stickers approved by the Joseph Badger School District may be applied to the computer.
Computers that malfunction or are damaged must be reported to the classroom teacher. The school district will be responsible for repairing computers that malfunction.
Netbooks that are missing must be reported immediately to the classroom teacher and the Administrative Office.

3.7 Student Discipline

Students will be entirely responsible for the cost of repairs to Netbooks that are damaged intentionally.

Netbook damage: Students who have recorded 3 or more instances of Netbook damage may be subject to disciplinary actions. Future Netbook privileges will be determined by the High School  Principal and the Administration.

If a student violates any part of the above policy, he/she amy be put on the following disciplinary steps:

Step 1* Student will lose the use of a  Netbook  for three (1) week

Step 2* Student will lose the use of a  Netbook for three (3) weeks.  During this time, if a student needs to do research or assignments on the Netbook, he/she must have a pass from that class’s teacher.

Step 3* Student will lose the use of a Netbook for a minimum of six (6) weeks.  During this time, a student may or may not be able to check out a Netbook for classroom work-this will depend on the severity of the Netbook misuse.

*Discipline consequences may vary depending on the severity of the offense.

Computers owned by the Joseph Badger School District are for Educational purposes ONLY.

4. PROTECTING & STORING YOUR NETBOOK COMPUTER

4.1 Netbook Identification

Student Netbooks will be labeled in the manner specified by the school. Netbooks can be identified in the following ways:
Record of serial number
Individual User account name of each student using a particular Netbook.

4.2 Password Protection

Students are expected to password protect their Netbooks by setting a network logon password and keeping that password confidential. If a student fails to keep this confidentiality agreement and any part of this policy has not been followed, appropriate disciplinary steps will be followed.

4.3 Storing Your Netbook

When students are not using their Netbooks, they should be stored in the cart located in the classroom. The carts will be maintain by a designated student.

4.4 Netbooks Left in Unsupervised Areas

Under no circumstances should Netbooks be left in unsupervised areas. Unsupervised areas include the school grounds and campus, the lunchroom, computer lab, locker rooms, library, unlocked classrooms, and hallways. Any computer left in these areas is in danger of being stolen.  If a Netbook is found in an unsupervised area, it will be taken to the office. Upon determination of the student responsible for the errant Netbook, appropriate disciplinary steps will be followed.