ESMS Student Handbook

STUDENT HANDBOOK

Welcome and Introduction

The Excelsior Springs Middle School Staff would like to take this opportunity to extend a warm welcome to the students and parents of the Excelsior Springs School District. This student handbook has been developed as a service to the students and parents of Excelsior Springs Middle School. Although not comprehensive, it includes general and specific information, policies, and procedures relating to students of our school.

The Middle School curriculum and activities are planned for the student making the adjustment from childhood to adolescence. The school's objectives are designed to help the student in this challenging transition period. Please become familiar with the contents. We hope the following information will be of considerable value to both parents and students during the course of the year.

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APPEARANCE CODE

Students are encouraged to dress in a moderate type and style of clothing that is appropriate for school activities. It is important that students develop habits of personal grooming and dress that contribute to good health, hygiene, and safety. Some type of sandal or shoe must be worn. Hats shall not be worn inside the building between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. or during specified school functions.

Extremes in type, style, or manner of wearing clothing or extremes in grooming that distract from or disrupt the school program or constitute a threat to welfare and safety will not be permitted. No actual or implied obscenities or advertisement of illegal substances (i.e, alcohol, tobacco products) will be permitted on any garment of clothing. Also no biker (spandex) shorts, shirts and dresses which are sleeveless and without a collar, tank-tops, shirts or tops which reveal the navel, or jeans with holes, cuts, or slits above the knee will not be permitted.

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ATTENDANCE

Every day is important at Excelsior Springs Middle School. Good attendance is important for success at school. When a student is absent a parent or guardian must phone the school office (630-9230) to inform the school of the nature of the absence, or a written notice must be provided concerning the absence. Written notes should include the date of the absence, reason for the absence, and parent's or guardian's signature. Students should bring the note to the office between 7:25 a.m. and 7:35 a.m. upon their return to school. Absences from school will be determined as either EXCUSED or UNEXCUSED. If it is necessary to miss school because of a planned family trip, prior notice must be given to the school if the absence is to be EXCUSED. After a student has been absent 5 days a doctor's excuse may be required for re- admittance. Unexcused absence will result in a student being assigned to the Supervised Learning Center.

Students arriving late or leaving school early need to check in and/or out in the office. Students who leave the school grounds without permission from the office will be considered truant.

Compulsory attendance is Missouri State Law. Missouri Statute 167.031 - Every parent, guardian or other person in this state having charge, control or custody of a child not enrolled in a public, private, parochial, or parish school and between the ages of seven and sixteen years is responsible for enrolling the child in a program of academic instruction which complies with subsection two (2) of this section. A parent, guardian or other person in this state having charge, control, or custody of a child between the age of seven and sixteen years of age shall cause the child to attend regularly some public, private, parochial, parish, or home school not less than the entire school term of the school which the child attends.

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BAGS

In order to insure that Excelsior Springs Middle School has a safe environment conducive to learning, students are not permitted to take back packs, athletic/duffle bags, tote bags, etc. to class. Bags which students use to carry school equipment or supplies must be placed in their locker.

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BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL

The majority of students ride the school bus and will follow the timetable established by the ESSD transportation department.. Students who do not ride the bus are asked to arrive after 7:15am due to supervisory requirements.

All students should be out of the building and off school grounds by 2:25 p.m. unless they are participating in an extracurricular activity, staying at the request of a staff member or waiting for a bus.

Students staying for extracurricular activities need to make prior arrangements for transportation home. Students will be notified ahead of time when an activity will conclude. Students are not allowed to leave the school grounds and then return unless prior arrangements have been made. Students are to be dropped off and picked up in front of school.

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BICYCLES AND SKATEBOARDS

The school has provided bicycle racks for those students who ride their bicycles and skateboards to school. All bicycles are to be left at the bicycle racks for the duration of the school day. Skateboards are not allowed in the building or lockers. Students are not to loiter in the bicycle area or sit on the racks. It is the student's responsibility to secure the bicycle or skateboard to the bike rack.

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CHANGE OF ADDRESS

Please inform the office of a change of address or telephone number. It is important for the school to have a correct address, phone number, and a business phone in case of an emergency.

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CLASS INTERRUPTION for SPECIAL DELIVERIES

Delivery of flowers, balloon bouquets, fast food and other related items is discouraged by the school administration.

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COATS

Excelsior Springs Middle School is a modern, climate controlled facility. Due to this fact it is not necessary for students to wear coats to class. Coats which are designed as outer wear may be worn to school but should be placed in the student’s locker upon arrival to school. Should students find that classrooms or hallways are chilly they are encouraged to wear sweatshirts or sweaters to school.

COUNSELING CENTER

The purpose of the Counseling Center is to help students achieve their highest growth mentally, emotionally, and socially. This is done through individual conferences, classroom instruction, and testing programs — all designed to help students learn as much as possible about their own capabilities. Students are encouraged to make appointments with the counselor when something at school is bothering them.

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DRESS FOR PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Boys -Solid shorts (any color), white tee-shirt (name on front) white socks, tennis shoes.
Girls-Solid color shorts, white or gold tee-shirt (name on back) shoes and socks.

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DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS

Discipline is defined as, "the training that develops self-control, character, and efficiency." It is a key to good conduct and proper consideration for other people. The rules, policies, and procedures at E.S.M.S. have been developed for each student's health, safety, and security, as well as, to maximize each student's educational opportunities. The following disciplinary actions may be employed when dealing with individuals who do not comply with established rules and policies:

DETENTION: A detention is a period of time in which a student is detained, before or after school. The detention may be assigned by a teacher or a principal. Students are given previous notice so as to arrange transportation through a parent or guardian. Detentions assigned through the office meet from 2:25 p.m. until 3:25 p.m. This will be a work/study session directed by a detention hall supervisor. Any student who fails to serve an assigned detention, does not bring materials to study, or does not follow rules given by detention hall supervisor, may be assigned additional consequences.

RESTRICTED LIST: The purpose of the Restricted List is to set boundaries for students and to limit the privileges of students who have demonstrated themselves incapable of behaving appropriately on their own. A student will be notified when he/she is placed on the Restricted List and a letter will be sent to parents. The length of time a student is on the Restricted List depends on that student's behavior after being placed on the list. It may vary from one week to all year. Students may be restricted for unacceptable hall behavior, assembly behavior, bus lot behavior, cafeteria behavior and for other reasons at the discretion of the Principals. Students on the list may not attend any extra-curricular activities including dances, intramurals, athletic events, etc. In addition, students on the Restricted List forfeit hall passes and Merit Pass. (In case of emergency the student must be accompanied by a teacher or a reliable student.)

IN-SCHOOL-SUSPENSION: Students may be placed in a Supervised Learning Center for a variety of disciplinary infractions. Failure to comply with In-School Suspension rules may result in Out-of-School Suspension.

OUT-OF-SCHOOL SUSPENSION: Students whose behavior warrants out-of-school suspension may be suspended from one to ten days by school administrators. The Superintendent may suspend a student for a longer period. Once a student is notified that he/she is suspended, he/she may not be on school property or attend school functions until the return to school following the suspension.

EXPULSION: The removal of student from school property in excess of 90 school days or for an indefinite period of time and loss of academic credit.

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EMERGENCY DISASTER DRILLS

Fire, earthquake, and tornado drills are held at regular intervals during the school year so that students may learn to react quickly and in an orderly fashion in the case of a real emergency. Students will be instructed by the teacher as to the procedure to follow. Standard policies for each part of the building are established by the principal under the direction of the Excelsior Springs Fire Marshall. Special instructions will be posted on the wall in each classroom.

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EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Participation in extracurricular activities is a privilege that is granted to those who meet the eligibility of the Excelsior Springs School District and the State of Missouri. Students participating in athletics must also have a current physical and a signed parent permission form.
Students must be in school attendance on the day of an event. Students who miss class on the day of the event, without being excused by the principal, will be considered ineligible on that date. (Examples are: dances, practices, intramurals, concerts, and athletic events.)

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GAB PARTY

As an incentive for students to excel in academics, attend school regularly and behave appropriately at school, GAB (Grades, Attendance, & Behavior) Parties are held quarterly.

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GUM AND CANDY

Gum and candy are not allowed on school grounds.

	1st offense -	warning and/or detention
	2nd offense -	warning and/or detention
	3rd offense -	warning, detention or S.L.C.

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HOMEWORK AND MAKE-UP WORK

Students should expect homework on a regular basis and should complete it neatly and on time. Students should contact the teacher or stay for tutoring if they need extra help. Parents are asked to set aside time at home for homework completion.
Excused absences allow work to be made up. Each student will be given three days to complete all make-up work. Any extension of this three-day time limit must be by recommendation of the teacher and approved by the principal. Unexcused absences may result in loss of credit.
Parents or guardians of a student may request that assignments be sent home if that student has been absent from school three or more days consecutively. The request should be made no later than 10:00 a.m. on or before the day the assignments are wanted.

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INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS CENTER

The library is a place for reading and preparation of assignments. Students are responsible for all books that they check out. Overdue books will be assessed a fine. The use of the library is a privilege that can be lost by those students having books overdue to the library. These library privileges will be renewed following the return of the overdue library materials. Library hours are 7:15 a.m. - 2:35p.m.

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IMMUNIZATIONS

Students who fail to comply with District and/or State regulations concerning immunizations and health records may not attend school until the problem is corrected. Students entering the 7th grade during the 1999-2000 school year are required to have started the vaccination series for Hepatis B before enrolling.

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INTERNET POLICY

Excelsior Springs Middle School provides Internet access to its students WITH parental permission. Prior to beginning a project which involves the Internet, students are asked to take a permission form home for the parents to sign. Students who violate the Internet Policy are subject to disciplinary action, including loss of Internet privileges.

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LIVE ANIMALS

For safety reasons, live animals (excluding animals which assist the blind or physically handicapped) will be allowed in the building only under the following conditions.

1. The animal is being used for educational purposes.

2. The animal is brought to school by a parent/guardian for the class period in which it is needed only.

3. The animal is taken home by the parent/guardian as soon as the class period ends.

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LOCKS AND LOCKERS

Students will be assigned lockers to store coats, books, bags, etc. during the school day. Students are expected to use only the locker assigned to them. For security, lockers should be kept locked at all times and combinations kept confidential. Each student is responsible for keeping his/her assigned locker clean inside and out. Do not tape anything to your locker or use stickers. You may use magnets to decorate the inside of your locker only. Damages caused by misuse will be charged to the student assigned to the locker.

Lockers are the property of the school, loaned to the students for their convenience. The school reserves the right to inspect the school's lockers at any time. Problems with lockers, or locker partners should be reported to the office.

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LOST AND FOUND

PLEASE PUT YOUR NAME ON EVERYTHING including breakfast and lunch tickets. If a missing item is found and it has a name on it, it can be returned. Every year a large number of articles from the Lost and Found are donated to charity because they have no identification and go unclaimed. The school will not be responsible for lost or stolen property.

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LUNCH/BREAKFAST PROGRAM

The cafeteria meals are provided on a non-profit basis for all students who desire a warm, well-balanced lunch. E.S.M.S. also has a breakfast program. Breakfast prices are $.75 for students and $.90 for adults. Lunch is priced at $1.15 for Middle School students and $1.45 for adults. Free and reduced meals may be applied for in the Principal's office. To facilitate the purchasing of lunch tickets, students should follow this procedure:
1.Purchase lunch tickets on Monday morning in the Commons.
2.Make checks payable in the correct amount to ESMS. Checks may be used for the sole purpose of purchasing lunch and/or breakfast tickets.
3.On receiving tickets, students should immediately write their names on the back of the tickets.
Lunch tickets are also sold each morning before school through the office window and in the cafeteria during lunch.

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MERIT PASS

Students on the Principal's Honor Roll (all A's and B's) are eligible for a Merit Pass. They will receive a 15 minute period of free, supervised time every other week of the following quarter. Grades, effort, and citizenship must be maintained to keep the Merit Pass.

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MID-QUARTER REPORT

A mid-quarter deficiency report will be sent home with the student to be signed by the parent and returned to school if the student is receiving a "failing" grade at the mid-quarter point. Parents are encouraged to contact the teacher and set up a conference to discuss the grade and what can be done at home to stimulate improvement. Parents can request a grade check at any other time by contacting the counseling center.

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NOVELTY ITEMS

Novelty items such as games, radios, spray substances, toys, chains, laser pointers, etc. that distract from the education of others are not allowed and will be confiscated. Items may be returned to the parents or to the student at the end of the school year.

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P.O.S.S.E

P.O.S.S.E. is the parent group for Excelsior Springs Middle School. In addition to raising funds for capital equipment purchases, P.O.S.S.E. organizes parent classroom volunteers, chaperones student functions, provides a Bar-B-Q lunch for the 8th grade field day, and many other activites to support our teachers and students. To reach P.O.S.S.E. call the school at 630-9230 and go to voice mail box 142, or reach the P.O.S.S.E. Message line at 630-9230 extention 165.

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PROMOTION - RETENTION POLICY

Students will normally progress annually from grade to grade. Exceptions will be made when it is in the best educational interest of the student. Parents will be notified of academic problems during the first semester and will be involved in specific academic/attendance plans to help students overcome difficulties. Parents are also encouraged to contact teachers and/or counselors to discuss student progress. All students are encouraged to take advantage of tutoring opportunities. (See Policy IKE and IKR-R)

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REPORT CARDS

Report cards for all middle school students are issued every nine weeks and do not need to be returned to the school. The Grading Scale is as follows:

96-100%	A	80-82	B	67-69	D+
90-95	A-	77-79	C+	63-66	D
87-89	B+	73-76	C	60-62	D-
83-86	B	70-72	C-	59-below	F

N - Course work incomplete
P - Credit given, student is working to capacity

Report cards will be picked up by parents at the end of the first grading period. Report cards will be sent home with the students at the end of the second and third grading periods. The final report card will be mailed home at the end of the school year.

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SCHOOL CLOSING

The decision to close school because of severe weather is made by the Superintendent of Schools. Information about school closing can be obtained by listening to the following radio stations: KCMO, Kansas City; KEXS, Excelsior Springs; and KAOL, Carrollton.

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SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER (SRO)

A School Resource Officer is on duty at the Middle School to assist students and parents with questions and concerns regarding legal issues. The purpose of this program is to increase student safety and well-being.

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SCHOOL NURSE

The school district employs a health aide who is on duty at the middle school. The school must have parental permission before giving Tylenol to a student. Parents need to sign a permission form if their child is on medication that requires dosage during the school day. All medication taken at the Middle School must be kept in the nurse's office.
As a safety factor, the school asks parents to notify the health aide or office if their child has a specific medical condition that would require immediate attention (diabetes, asthma, hearing condition, epilepsy, etc.) or might hinder his or her participation in various school activities. Parents must complete a health information sheet each year.

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SPECIAL SERVICES

In accordance with state and federal regulations, a free appropriate public education will be provided by or under the supervision of the school district for handicapped children including those identified as behavior disordered, deaf/blind, health impaired, hearing impaired, learning disabled, mentally handicapped, physically handicapped, severely handicapped, speech/language delayed, visually impaired and traumatic brain injury. Patrons of the school district are encouraged to assist in the identification of all handicapped children residing in the school district ages birth to 21.
The Excelsior springs School District makes arrangements to allow individuals with a handicap condition to participate in programs provided by the district. Questions, please contact Central Office at 630-9200.

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STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT

The Excelsior Springs School District believes that academic achievement and student discipline are closely related. Our goal is to establish a standard of conduct which will maintain an atmosphere where orderly learning is possible and encouraged. The ultimate aim is for students to develop the self discipline needed to conduct themselves appropriately at all times. Expectations of E.S.M.S. students are as follows:
• Appropriate school behavior that assures the right of every student to learn and of every teacher to teach. Appropriate out-of-classroom behavior should demonstrate respect for the personal and property rights of others.
• Daily attendance and arrival at school and class on time along with adequate preparation for classes.
• Cooperation with school faculty and staff and adherence to appropriate standards of courtesy, decency and morality.
• Appropriate use and care of school facilities and equipment.
No Code of Conduct can list each and every offense which may result in the use of disciplinary action. However, the following are consequences for some deviations from the standard of conduct we expect from students at E.S.M.S.

VIOLATIONS AGAINST PERSONS
In addition to school consequences, legal authorities may be notified as appropriate.

ASSAULT(STUDENT) - Attempting to cause injury to another; intentionally placing another in reasonable apprehension of imminent physical injury.
1st offense - 1-10 days In/Out of school suspension
2nd offense - 1-10 days In/Out of school suspension or Expulsion

ASSAULT(Staff) - Attempting to cause injury to another; intentionally placing another in reasonable apprehension of imminent physical injury.
1st offense - Expulsion

HARASSMENT - To deliberately intimidate, threaten, torment or threaten to cause injury to another. Sexual harassment will be dealt with firmly.
1st offense - Conference, parent notification, and/or In/Out of school suspension
2nd offense - 1-10 days In/Out of school suspension
3rd offense - 3-10 days In/Out of school suspension
4th offense - up to 90 days Out of school suspension or expulsion

FIGHTING - Mutual combat in which both parties have contributed to the conflict, either verbally or by physical action.
1st offense - 1-10 day In/Out of School Suspension
2nd offense - 1-10 day In/Out of School Suspension
3rd offense - 5-10 day In/Out of School Suspension
4th offense - Up to 90 day Out of School Suspension or Expulsion

WEAPONS - Any person utilizing a school facility is not to carry, conceal, or transmit any kind of firearms, knives (excluding pocket knives unless used as a weapon), explosives, clubs, or other dangerous weapons in school building or on or about the school district’s grounds. Violators of this provision shall be referred to the appropriate legal authorities. In addition, a student who violates the provision shall be subject to the following disciplinary action:
1st offense: In/Out of School Suspension or Expulsion

VIOLATIONS AGAINST PUBLI C HEALTH AND SAFETY
POSSESSION OF T0BACCO - Students are not to possess or have in locker any tobacco, matches, lighters, or any illegal substance.
1st offense: 1 day In School Suspension
2nd offense: 3 days In/Out School Suspension
3rd offense: 3 to 5 days In/Out School Suspension
4th offense: 10 day Out of School Suspension

ELECTRONIC DEVICES - No radios, C.D. players, tape players, cellular phones, beepers, pagers or other communication devices are permitted to be possessed by students anywhere at school, school activities, or school transportation. Each offense will result in the confiscation of the item. The item may not be returned until the end of school year or, at the discretion of the principal, it may be returned to the student’s parents.

POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES - Possession, use of attendance under the influence of controlled substances, drug paraphernalia, alcoholic beverages, or substances represented to be such. Legal authorities shall be notified in all controlled substance violations. In addition:
1st offense: 10 day In/Out of School Suspension; Referred to School Counselor.
2nd offense: Up to 90 day Out of School Suspension
3rd offense: Expulsion

SALE OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES - Sale of controlled substances, alcoholic beverages or substances represented to be such.
1st offense: Up to 90 day Out of School Suspension
2nd offense: Expulsion

VIOLATIONS AGAINST PROPERTY
Students will make restitution as appropriate.
THEFT - Stealing or attempting to steal private or school property is a violation of school rules, as well as, the law. Disciplinary action will depend on the severity of the offense. Law officers shall be called by school officials, if appropriate, to help investigate or press appropriate charges.
1st offense: 1-3 day In/Out of School Suspension and/or up to 90 day Suspension or Expulsion
2nd offense: Up to 90 day Suspension and/or Expulsion
3rd offense: Expulsion

WILLFUL DAMAGE TO SCHOOL, STAFF, OR STUDENT PROPERTY - Any student who willfully causes substantial damage or attempts to cause substantial damage to any property real or personal belonging to school, staff or students.
1st offense: 1-3 days Out of School Suspension, up to 90 day Suspension or Expulsion
2nd offense: Up to 90 day Suspension or Expulsion

ARSON - purposefully setting fire which is likely to damage the property of others. Arson is a serious offense and shall be treated as such. Law officers will be called by school officials to help investigate or press appropriate charges.
1st offense: Expulsion

FIRE ALARM - Any student who knowingly gives or causes an alarm of fire, bomb or other hazzard or disaster, while knowing or with reason to know the alarm is false shall be subject to the following discipline action. In addition, law officers shall also be called for appropriate legal action.
1st offense: Up to 90 day Out of School Suspension
2nd offense: Expulsion

VIOLATIONS AGAINST PUBLIC DECENCY AND GOOD ORDER
In addition to the following consequences, students may also be placed on the Restricted List.
UNACCEPTABLE LANGUAGE - Foul, obscene or rude disruptive language.
1st offense: Conference with principal and/or Detention and/or one day of In School Suspension
2nd offense: 3 to 5 day In School Suspension
3rd offense: 5 to 10 day Out of School Suspension

DISORDERLY CONDUCT - Behavior interfering with the safe and orderly environment of the school or school activity.
1st offense: Student conference and/or Detention and/or In/Out of School Suspension
2nd offense: 1 to 3 day In School Suspension
3rd offense: 3 to 5 day Out of School Suspension
4th offense: 10 day Out of School Suspension

DEFIANCE - Refusal to follow reasonable direction and/or school policies.
1st offense: 1 to 3 In/Out of School Suspension and/or student conference
2nd offense: 3 to 5 day In/Out of School Suspension
3rd offense: 10 day In/Out of School Suspension
4th offense: Up to 90 day Out of School Suspension

USE OF ABUSIVE AND DISRUPTIVE LANGUAGE - The oral or written use of abusive, derogatory, profane language or gestures is prohibited. Disrespect toward staff, students and/or employees will not be tolerated. Abusive language is defined as any words spoken or written of any student or school employee which may be interpreted as slanderous, or derogatory of a person’s racial or ethnic background, physical appearance or religious preference.
1st offense: Detention and/or 1 to 3 days In/Out School Suspension
2nd offense: 3 to 5 day In/Out School Suspension
3rd offense: 5 to 10 days In/Out School Suspension

EXTORTION - To threaten or intimidate for the purpose of taking valuables, money, etc.
1st offense: 10 day Out of School Suspension
2nd offense: Up to 90 day Suspension
3rd offense: Expulsion
All rules and regulations related to discipline are established by the Excelsior Springs School District Board Policy JFCR and are based on the authority granted Boards of Education under Revised Missouri statutes and opinions of the opinions of the Attorney General related thereto. The foregoing listing is an example and is not intended to be comprehensive.

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STUDENT COMPLAINT RESOLUTIONS PROCEDURE FOR IMPROVING AMERICA'S SCHOOLS ACT PROGRAM

This complaint resolution procedure applies to all programs administered by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education under the Goals 2000: Educate America Act and the Improving America's Schools Act (IASA).

A complaint is a formal allegation that a specific federal or state law or regulation has been violated, misapplied, or misinterpreted by school district personnel or by Department of Education personnel.

Any parent or guardian, surrogate parent, teacher, administrator, school board member, or other person directly involved with any activity, program, or project operated under the general supervision of the department may file a complaint. Such as complaint must be in writing and signed; it will provide specific details of the situation and indicate the law of regulation that is allegedly being violated, misapplied, or misinterpreted.

The written, signed complaint must be filed by submitting it to the superintendent. The resolution pursued in accordance with local district policy.

If the issue cannot be resolved at the local level, the complaintant may file a complaint with the Missouri Department of Education. If there is no evidence that the parties have attempted in good faith to resolve the complaint at the local level, the Department may require the parties to do so and provide technical assistance to facilitate such resolution.

Any persons directly affected by the actions of the Department may file a similarly written complaint if they believe state or federal laws or regulations have been violated, misapplied, or misinterpreted by the Department itself.

Anyone wishing more information about this procedure or how complaints are resolved may contact local district or Department personnel.

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STUDENT USE OF SCHOOL PHONES

School telephones are for school business. Students should make arrangements prior to the start of school for extra-curricular activities for rides home. Pay phones are available for student use. Students will not be allowed to use the pay phones during class time. Students will be allowed to use the office phone in the event of an emergency or unexpected schedule change if they have a pass from a teacher.

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TARDY POLICY

E.S.M.S. students are expected to be at school on time every day. Between classes, E.S.M.S. has a passing time of four (4) minutes between classes. Except in emergencies, students are to be with their assigned teacher on time and ready for class. The following procedure will be:
To School:
1st tardy: Students cautioned.
2nd tardy: Conference and warning. Detention - if parent has not contacted office.
3rd tardy: Parents will be contacted. Detention - if parent has not contacted office.
4th tardy: Students will be assigned a detention.
5th and subsequent tardies: Parent/student/administrator conference to resolve problem. Alternative Learning Center assigned.
To Class: When a student is tardy, the teacher will administer consequences as with any other classroom disruption. If tardies continue, the parents will be contacted by the teacher and the student will be referred to the office.

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TRUANCY

Students who are absent from school without the knowledge and consent of their parents/guarians and the administration, or students who leave school during any session without the consent of the principal, shall be considered truant.

School administrators and teachers are responsible for keeping records of student attendance. Also, the designated attendance officer for the district shall assist the administration when a student attendance problem warrants additional investigation or assistance.

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TEXTBOOKS AND SUPPLIES

Textbooks are furnished by the Excelsior Springs School District. Care of these textbooks is the responsibility of the students to whom they are issued. Students will be charged for lost or damaged books. Supply requirements will vary from teacher to teacher.

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TRANSPORTATION

Student safety to and from school is of utmost importance to school officials, therefore, students are asked to travel only on school buses or other transportation approved by their parents.

The Board of Education makes every effort to provide the safest, most efficient and convenient transportation system for students attending the Excelsior Springs Schools. Students riding school buses are under the direct supervision of the bus driver. Students receiving Bus Conduct Notices must have the notice signed by a principal and by a parent before re-entering the bus. Regular offenders of bus safety rules will lose the PRIVILEGE of riding the bus. Bus Conduct Notices are to be brought to the Office between 7:25 a.m. and 7:35 a.m. for the Principal’s signature.

STUDENTS ARE NOT ALLOWED TO CHANGE THEIR ASSIGNED BUSES EXCEPT IN EMERGENCY SITUATIONS, AS DETERMINED BY THE ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL AND BUS DIRECTOR.

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VISITORS

Parents of students are encouraged to visit. For your convenience, we suggest that you call for an appointment if you desire to see a specific individual. We ask that visitors check in at the office.

Under the closed campus policy, we do not allow students from other schools to visit. This policy promotes a strong academic atmosphere and reduces interruptions to the learning process.

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