1. Guide for Secondary School STUDENTS and their PARENTS/LEGAL GUARDIANS St. Mary’s County Public Schools (SMCPS)

2.  Under law, every child between 5 and 16 years of age must attend school regularly and each person who has LEGAL CUSTODY of a child (5-16) shall see that the child attends school.  The school stands in “loco parentis” during school functions and ensures the safety and well-being of its students. 2

3. LOCO PARENTIS means the school acts as your parent when you are in school and at school functions. ATTEND SCHOOL EVERYDAY There are lawful and unlawful absences. 3

4. This is what you need to know to understand the importance of regular attendance… 4

5.  Death in the immediate family  Student illness (a physician’s note may be required)  Court summons  Hazardous weather conditions  Work (if approved or sponsored by the school)  Observance of a religious holiday  State of emergency  Suspension  Lack of authorized transportation  Other emergencies or circumstances – in judgment of the principal 5

6. Absences for any reason other than those listed as lawful. Family vacation absences are unlawful (exceptional circumstances may be reviewed by the principal/designee ). 6

7.  Unlawful absences and excessive absences lead to failing grades and/or retention.  Regular attendance is VITAL to academic success.  If you are trying to attend school regularly and need some help, be sure to talk to your school counselor. 7

8.  Present for four (4) or more hours of the school day. 8

9.  Absent the entire school day or present less than two (2) hours of the school day. 9

10.  Present for at least two (2) hours of the school day, but less than four (4) hours.  Two (2) half-day absences equals one (1) day absent. 10

11.  Parents/Legal Guardians of the student must provide documentation for the absence on the day the student returns to school. If documentation is not received within three (3) days, the absence will be coded as UNLAWFUL.  To notify the school of a student’s absence, the parents/legal guardians can write a note, send an email, or call the school. 11

12.  Student’s Name  Date of Absence  Reason for Absence  Parents’/Legal Guardians’ Signature ONLY absences due to lawful reasons will be coded as lawful – all other absences will be considered UNLAWFUL. 12

13.  If you are absent twenty-five (25) or more days, you will be at risk of repeating your grade. You will be referred to the Pupil Services Team for assistance. 13

14.  If you receive five (5) referrals for unlawful absences from school or any specific class in a single marking period, you will receive an “F” for the making period. A 59.4% will be entered for the percentage grade for the class in question or all subject(s) for the marking period. If a student is currently failing the course with a grade lower than 59.4%, the lower grade will stand.  Extenuating circumstances may be appealed to the principal/designee. 14

15.  LATE means you are not present in your class or designated area when the bell rings at the start of the school day. 15

16.  Sign-in.  Present documentation stating reason for tardiness or have your parents/legal guardians sign you in.  Tardies are marked either lawful or unlawful. Missing the bus or running late is marked UNLAWFUL. 16

17.  Late for class means that you are absent when the class begins and present before the class ends.  If you come to class late, you must present the teacher with an official pass. 17

18. Summer School is available to students for REVIEW only with the following conditions: You were:  Enrolled in high school during the prior school year.  Received at least forty-five (45) percent in the course of the semester seeking to register.  Have no more than 10 unlawful absences in the semester. 18

19. Your parents/legal guardians are required to present a valid PICTURE ID when checking you out of school. 19

20.  You are encouraged to take medications at times other than during school hours.  However, if it is necessary, medication must be administered in accordance with certain guidelines.  A doctor must provide a written order, form PS 109, and the parents/legal guardians must sign the parents/legal guardians consent on the back of the form.  The parents/legal guardians must bring the PS 109 form and the medication in the original pharmacy container to school.  The parents/legal guardians must pick up unused or discontinued medication at school. This includes over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol, aspirin, etc. 20

21. NEVER bring medication to school (this includes over-the-counter medication). Your PARENTS/LEGAL GUARDIANS must bring it directly to the school nurse. Let your parents/legal guardians talk with the school nurse. 21

22.  Certain respiratory conditions may carry an emergency inhaler and self administer if they have ◦ doctor’s order ◦ school nursing assessment 22

23. with substance abuse, sexually transmitted diseases, AIDS, mental and/or emotional disorders, contraception, abortion, and pregnancy - - Must be directed to appropriate resources -Must have their privacy protected. WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?? If you are in a situation that you know you need help with, seek help from a school nurse, teacher, school counselor, or administrator. The school staff will help you find the resources you need. 23

24.  Those students who use or possess alcohol or drugs, or otherwise violate the law, and do not voluntarily seek help, in essence, forfeit their right to protection. THEY ARE SUBJECT TO THE SCHOOL POLICY AND REGULATIONS.  School officials cannot ignore substance abuse or other illegal activities. Teachers are required to observe the laws and enforce school policy. 24

25.  There is a close relationship between student dress and student behavior.  Students are expected to follow the countywide Student Dress Code.  Dress which may cause disruption of the instructional program or create a potential safety hazard is prohibited.  Make a good impression and feel good about yourself. 25

26. Video and Audio recording devices may be “in use” in school or on your bus. The purpose of these surveillance devices is to monitor behavior on the bus or on school grounds. 26

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28. A PRINCIPAL OR ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL HAS A REASONABLE BELIEF THAT YOU HAVE IN YOUR POSSESSION AN ITEM THAT IS IN VIOLATION OF ANY STATE LAW OR A SMCPS RULE OR REGULATION. ALSO…. THE SCHOOL BUILDING AND ITS FURNISHINGS AND EQUIPMENT – INCLUDING LOCKERS – MAY BE SEARCHED!!! 28

29.  The Youth Protection Act makes it a FELONY if a person manufactures, dispenses, distributes, or possesses with the intent to distribute certain controlled dangerous substances, or conspires to commit these offenses on or within 1,000 feet of any school property or in a school vehicle.  Drug detection dogs may be used to scan school buildings, school grounds, and any vehicle on or adjacent to school grounds at any time. 29

30.  School personnel have the right to limit the use of electronic communication devices.  Beepers, cell phones, PDAs, and laptop computers are allowed on school property.  The use of cell phones or cell phone cameras are not allowed during instructional time or in any manner that infringes upon the rights of others.  An electronic device may be confiscated by an administrator and a parents/legal guardians may be required to meet with an administrator.  The school assumes no liability for lost, stolen, or broken devices. 30

31. The use of cell phones, cell phone cameras, and other recording devices must be used responsibly. Improper use which violates a person’s privacy or character or causes a disruption to the school environment must be reported to a school administrator, and in certain cases to law enforcement. 31

32.  Intentional negative actions by one or more students against another student.  Actions that causes discomfort with identity issues in regard to race, color, national origin, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion, or identifying characteristics (harassment).  Actions done repeatedly and over time, and  Actions interfering with a student’s ability to participate in or benefit from his/her education. 32

33.  Should be reported to an adult at school.  May also be reported by a student, parents/legal guardians, or close relative by completing the “Harassment or Intimidation (Bullying) Reporting Form.” 33

34.  Say NO to sexual harassment and REPORT it to an adult (school counselor, teacher, parents/legal guardians, or administrator).  Sexual harassment includes: unwanted sexual attention from teachers, other adults, or students. It could include leering, suggestive verbal comments, or pressure for sexual activity. It may include non- consensual touching of a sexual nature that does not rise to the level of sexual assault. It may occur once or be repeated over time.  An administrator needs to know so that action can be taken. 34

35. Any unwelcome sexual contact, either directly or through clothing, such as deliberate inappropriate touching/pinching/grabbing of a sexual nature, attempted rape or rape.  Any form of sexual assault should be reported to an adult (school counselor, parents/legal guardians, or administrator).  An adult will take appropriate action. 35

36. Bringing any weapon or firearm onto school property or the possession of any weapon shall be reported to the police and the superintendent of schools or his/her designee immediately. The Gun Free School Act of 1994 and other public laws require expulsion from school for a period of not less than one calendar year. 36

37. Weapons include:  Any object which reasonably could cause physical harm or injury to a person  Firearm  Any weapon that could be converted into a projectile – mechanical or explosive  Any firearm muffler or silencer  Explosive or incendiary material or a poisonous gas  Other – firecrackers, smoke bombs, weapon look- alikes, knives, razor (READ your handbook carefully) 37

38.  If you engage in delinquent behavior (criminal behavior if you are an adult) at school it will reported to the police.  This includes any gang related behavior or activity.  You should report any gang-related behavior or activity to an adult at the school by using the “Gang-Related Incident Reporting Form.” 38

39.  If you engage in delinquent or any gang- related activity outside of school it maybe reported to school officials.  If your behavior is a potential risk to other students you may be required to attend an alternative program. 39

40.  The sale and use of tobacco in any form is prohibited by anyone at all times (24/7) in school buildings and vehicles. This includes schools, school buses, offices, warehouses, and garages.  Purchasing tobacco products by and/or for minors is illegal at all times. 40

41.  Eligibility for high school activities is a GPA of 2.0 for all students in grades 9 through 12.  YOUR MARKING PERIOD GRADES determine your Grade Point Average (GPA). At every marking period you have the opportunity to become eligible or ineligible. 41

42. You may also be INELIGIBLE for high school activities IF:  You are suspended from school.  You were assigned in-school intervention.  You have debts and fines at the end of the marking period.  You are absent from school. SEE your HANDBOOK for details. 42

43. Students with lawful absences/tardiness are allowed to receive full credit for any make-up work. They are also allowed to make up and take alternative exams/tests. It is the responsibility of the student and/or parents/ legal guardians to request the make-up work and turn in completed assignments within five school days or in an agreed upon time period as determined by the school principal or designee. 43

44.  The use of all school computers must be in support of education and research and consistent with the purposes of SMCPS. NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO  Illegal activity  Commercial for profit activities  Invasion of other people’s files, passwords, settings  Disruption or destruction of hardware, software  Malicious use of the network to harass others  Illegal installation of copyrighted software  Access to obscene or pornographic material 44

45.  YOUR CONDUCT is a reflection of you as a person. Your conduct is a reflection of your character.  The core values of a person (student) may be described as his or her character.  A purpose of education is to help support character development.  SMCPS aspires to help students recognize the Six Pillars of Character as reflected in their behavior.  When an infraction occurs, administrators will review appropriate character traits with students. 45

46.  CARING  CITIZENSHIP  FAIRNESS  RESPECT  RESPONSIBILITY  TRUSTWORTHINESS 46

47. SOME INFRACTIONS NOT ONLY HURT OURSELVES, BUT ALSO HURT OTHERS. 47

48.  BUS MISBEHAVIOR (irresponsibility) Standing, distracting the driver, running on the bus, eating on the bus, using a cell phone…endangering the safety of others.  DISRESPECT (lack of respect) Inappropriate comments or physical gestures to teachers or staff members or others. This could also be considered harassment. 48

49.  FIGHTING (lack of caring) A physical confrontation involving two (2) or more students.  DEFAMATION (lack of respect) False statements about an individual or group that harms the reputation of the person or group. 49

50.  Learn ways to stay out of fights ◦ MOST students never get into a fight at school. ◦ Students who learn to resolve conflicts peacefully are more likely to be successful at school and in the workplace. ◦ Peer Mediators at school can help you learn to resolve conflict. 50

51.  It takes COURAGE to walk away from a fight.  Your EDUCATION is at stake.  WALK AWAY and say YES to your FUTURE.  Talk with your school counselor, teacher, and parents/legal guardians. 51

52. I hit a teacher….. This may be considered as an attack. The consequence could be EXPULSION. 52

53. 53 Alcohol (possession/misrepresentation and/or use of) Illegal Drugs, Intoxicants, Related Paraphernalia, Representations (possession and/or use of) Inhalants/Look-alikes (use and/or distribution of) Intent to Sell, Give, Deliver, or Distribute Alcohol, Tobacco, Drugs, Controlled Dangerous Substances, Drug Paraphernalia, and/or Look-alikes (possession with the) Guns Physical Attack on a Community Member Physical Attack on a Teacher/Staff Sexual Assault Threat to a Teacher, Staff, or Others (verbal or physical) The Sheriff’s Office will be notified. That means you could be arrested, too! An EXPULSION CONFERENCE will be requested immediately for the following violations:

54.  Alcohol  Arson/Fireworks/Explosive  Firearms, Other Guns, Other Weapons  Illegal Drugs/Intent to Sell  Physical Attack  Sexual Assault  Trespassing  Vandalism  Theft  Other Delinquent Acts  Gang-Related Behavior or Activity 54

55. EXPULSION MEANS…  NO EDUCATION  YOU CANNOT ATTEND PUBLIC SCHOOL  YOU HAVE GIVEN UP YOUR RIGHT TO AN EDUCATION 55

56.  YOUR DISCIPLINE RECORD WILL FOLLOW YOU.  NO OTHER PUBLIC SCHOOL HAS TO ENROLL YOU. 56

57. You are accountable for knowing everything in it. 57