It is the responsibility of parents and students to familiarize themselves with this Student Handbook, which is approved by the School Board and which includes official district policies with which you should be acquainted.
The handbook has been prepared by the staff of the Biloxi Public Schools as a guideline to procedures, policies, and practices governing the operation of our schools and the behavior of our students. Biloxi administrators and instructional staff members believe that it will help both parents and students to be properly informed about matters which concern all of us. Academic and extracurricular opportunities, routine day-to-day events and activities, disciplinary rules and consequences of misbehavior, accreditation requirements and special programs and services--all are part of this handbook, together with many other concerns which are clearly explained in the publication.
The School Board and the administration of the Biloxi Public School District work closely together to establish sound and reasonable goals for our schools, to anticipate district needs, and to provide an environment conducive to learning. The primary purpose of providing this handbook is to help make your school experiences in this environment more satisfying, because it will tell you what you need to know and what you need to do in order to make this year both pleasant and successful.
SACS MISSION/PURPOSE STATEMENT - BILOXI HIGH SCHOOL
To provide an educational climate where all students have the opportunity to achieve academic success, develop physical and emotional well-being, and become productive, responsible citizens.
The Biloxi Public School District has and intends to continue a zero tolerance policy for weapons and drugs on campus. This policy has been very effective in curtailing inappropriate behavior on campus and maintaining a safe atmosphere. In order that you may understand how serious the District is about this issue, this letter is being written to all parents/guardians to be discussed with their children.
"Zero tolerance" means that any child with a weapon will be recommended by the principal for expulsion by the School Board. A weapon is any item which can inflict harm, no matter how minor. Therefore, it does not matter that the knife is small or that it can inflict harm only with force. The word weapon also includes fake guns or knives, because fear of injury in a school is simply unacceptable.
Zero tolerance applies to everyone. It does not matter that your child is in elementary school or has other special circumstances. It does not matter that the weapon was mistakenly brought to school or something the child found on the way to school. It does not matter that it was never intended to do harm. This policy is very important to your child's education. Therefore, if you suspect that your child is unable to understand this rule, then you should check his/her book bags and pockets before leaving for school.
All parents/guardians who register children will be given this letter. It is your responsibility to reinforce what will be expected of the children in our schools.
The Biloxi School District is proud of its students and their behavior; however, it believes that even one referral for a weapon is one too many. We know that with your help we can continue to provide an excellent and safe environment for all children in this district.
Prevention of School Violence Act - Copies of the Prevention of School Violence Act of 1994 are included in this handbook. The Act provides for penalties as specified related to weapons, assaults, drugs, and other matters of particular concern to parents, students, school employees, or other persons. Parents and students are responsible for compliance with the law and for familiarizing themselves with the consequences of violation of the law.
Students and News Media - The school district will publish the name and/or picture of a student in school publications or school-related articles or include students in other school-related news media programs unless prior requests have been made by a student's parent/guardian for exclusion of his/her child's name or picture from such publications or news media programs.
Emergency Operations - Because there are a number of school districts in Harrison County, parents and students need to be aware that announcements related to the dismissal or closing of the Biloxi Public Schools should not be confused with announcements related to the Harrison County Schools, which are in a separate district. Parents should listen to the local radio or television stations for announcements from the superintendent's office.
Absences/Tardies - It is extremely important for every student and parent to read the district's policies related to absences (see "Attendance" policy and "Tardies," pages 12 and 13). Students should make every effort to be present every day and not to be tardy to school or to class. Any questions related to absences or tardies should be referred to the principal immediately following enrollment. Excessive absences, tardies, and early check-outs will be reported to the school attendance officer.
ANNUAL REPORT TO ALL PARENTS
The Federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires that on an annual basis each school district notify every parent and employee of the status of any asbestos in the school.
The Biloxi Public Schools completed the required re-inspection report. There was no major change in the report. A copy of this report is on file in the school administration office and is available to the public for review. This report will serve as the annual notification by the Biloxi Public School District.
Welcome to the Biloxi schools and to the beginning of a new year filled with promise and high expectations. This is always an optimistic and hopeful time in the life of every student and parent and staff member who are part of our schools. Through the partnership that defines the total process of education, I hope that your goals will be met this year and that you will find success in every school activity in which you participate.
All of us know that promise must be coupled with hard work if we hope to achieve all that we're capable of achieving. The teachers and administrators in our schools have a deep commitment to excellence and a sense of purpose and dedication that will serve all our students well during the coming year. We are here to provide the best educational opportunities and environment that we can create. Throughout the year, if you need special help, there is someone in every school who will answer your questions, help you to solve problems, and assist you in making your school life more rewarding and more satisfying. You will be challenged to do your best work, to give your best efforts to every assignment and every opportunity. It is my sincere hope that you will meet those challenges with energy and enthusiasm and self-reliance. And at the end of the year, I also hope that you will be able to look back on this time as one of the best years of your life.
I wish you well as you begin this year's journey in the Biloxi Public Schools.
Larry A. Drawdy
Superintendent
The mission of the Biloxi Public School District, known for its rich heritage and traditions of excellence, resilience, and community commitment, is to encourage and empower every student to develop individual creative abilities and to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to make sound choices, act responsibly and achieve goals through a safe and welcoming environment, providing appropriate and stimulating programs which foster student success.
Madelon Gruich President
Rick Stewart Vice President
David Blaine Secretary
Mildred Roy Assistant Secretary
Glendon Johnson Member
Lt. Col. Barry Coble KAFB Liaison
SUPERINTENDENT OF EDUCATION
Dr. Larry Drawdy
School Address Phone
Elementary Grade Levels K-6
Beauvoir 2003 Lawrence Avenue 436-5131
DuKate 580 Howard Avenue 432-7226
Gorenflo 375 Lameuse Street 436-5145
Jeff Davis 340 St. Mary Blvd. 436-5110
Lopez 140 St. John Street 432-7783
North Bay 1825 Popp’s Ferry Road 435-6166
Popp's Ferry 364 Nelson Road 436-5135
Junior High Levels 7-9
Fernwood 2829 Pass Road 436-5120
Michel 1400 Father Ryan Ave 435-4540
Nichols 340 Nichols Drive 436-4648
High School Grade Levels 10-12
Biloxi High 1424 Father Ryan Ave. 435-1421
Alternative Education Grade Levels K-12
Howard II 260 Howard Avenue 436-3702
(Center for New Opportunities)
Administration Office 160 St. Peters Avenue Biloxi, MS 39530 |
Annex Building 1445 Father Ryan Avenue Biloxi, MS 39530 |
Phone: 374-1810 Fax: 374-1764 |
Phone: 436-5126 Fax: 435-6327 |
Biloxi Schools Website:
http://www.biloxischools.net
TERM I August 23 - October 30
TERM II October 31 - January 18
TERM III January 22 - March 28
TERM IV April 8 - June 7
Labor Day September 3
Thanksgiving November 21-23
Christmas December 19 (end of school day)-
January 3 (resume classes)
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day January 21
Mardi Gras February 11-12
Easter/Spring Holidays March 29 – April 5
Memorial Day May 27
Schools Begin the School Day End the School Day
Biloxi High 7:15 a.m. 2:25 p.m.
Fernwood Junior High 7:20 a.m. 2:30 p.m.
Michel Junior High 8:00 a.m. 3:10 p.m.
Nichols Junior High 8:00 a.m. 3:10 p.m.
North Bay Elementary 8:40 a.m. 3:40 p.m.
Jeff Davis Elementary 8:40 a.m. 3:40 p.m.
Popp's Ferry Elementary 8:10 a.m. 3:10 p.m.
Beauvoir Elementary 8:10 a.m. 3:10 p.m.
DuKate Elementary 8:40 a.m. 3:40 p.m.
Gorenflo Elementary 8:40 a.m. 3:40 p.m.
Lopez Elementary 8:40 a.m. 3:40 p.m.
Howard II 8:45 a.m. 2:00 p.m.
(Center for New Opportunities)
Information On Demand, IOD, permits parents to monitor their child's attendance, discipline history, and term grades on a daily basis.
Parents receive a letter explaining Information On Demand and how to access their child's information by touch-tone telephone. The letter will also let parents know when they may access student information, the telephone number to call, and other instructions.
Student information will be available only to those individuals who know the student's information number AND Personal Identification Number (PIN). For this reason, Information On Demand may be accessed only from a touch-tone phone.
Information On Demand is an excellent means of staying informed regarding attendance, behavior, homework assignments, general announcements, etc., as well as activities that are occurring at school.
Please contact the school if you have any questions regarding this service.
IOD Phone Numbers
| Biloxi High | 435-6389 |
| Michel | 435-6391 |
| North Bay | 436-5183 |
| Fernwood | 388-8962 |
| Nichols | 435-6390 |
| Lopez | 432-2431 |
| Gorenflo | 435-1286 |
| Beauvoir | 385-1825 |
| DuKate | 432-8286 |
| Jeff Davis | 432-2834 |
| Popp’s Ferry | 385-9640 |
| Howard II | 435-0858 |
| (Center for New Opportunities) | |
STUDENT ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE TIME
Students are not to arrive on the school campus prior to 30 minutes before the beginning of the school day, when teachers report for duty. The school will not assume responsibility for any students arriving on school grounds prior to stated time unless they are transported by school bus. Students are to leave the school campus at the end of the school day unless they are participating in a supervised school activity and are under the direct supervision of a teacher. The school will not assume responsibility for any child remaining on campus after the end of the school day without approval.
1. Visitors are always welcome but must first obtain a pass from the pupil accounting office.
2. Student visitors must report to the pupil accounting office immediately upon arriving on campus and will not be permitted to attend classes.
3. Visitors who fail to secure written permission from the pupil accounting office to be on campus may be referred to police officials.
4. Students shall not bring small children to school, and small children should not be brought to school during classroom observation.
5. In order to be permitted to visit staff members during their planning periods, the visitor must be a graduate of Biloxi High School.
Parent-teacher conferences should be arranged by appointment for the time set aside each day following the close of school or during the teacher's consultation period.
A student who leaves the school campus at any time must obtain permission from the principal or his/her designee and meet the requirements established under the check-out policy.
Students may not leave the campus for lunch unless signed out by parents or legal guardians on a daily basis.
1. In accordance with the laws of the State of Mississippi, in order to be admitted to kindergarten, students must be 5 years of age on or before September 1 of the current school year. First grade students must be 6 years of age on or before September 1 of the current school year. Certificates of Immunization and Vaccination are required upon entering school. (See Section on Immunizations and Vaccinations.) This affects all students in grades K-12.
2. A certified birth certificate must be presented upon admission. The birth certificate must be from the Bureau of Vital Statistics or from the State Department for students born overseas. Hospital records, baptismal records, etc., will not be acceptable. No other birth certificate is acceptable. The principal or his/her designee must verify the birth certificate. Telephone calls are not acceptable.
The principal shall require that a U.S. postal money order to the Bureau of Vital Statistics in the required amount be deposited for students who are unable to present a certified birth certificate upon admission, and the student will be enrolled on a temporary basis until the certified birth certificate is received by the school. Temporary enrollment will preclude official recording or release of grades.
3. Student must present an up-to-date immunization record. (See statement about Immunizations and Vaccinations following.)
4. If a student is transferring into a Biloxi school from a school accredited by a state or regional accrediting agency, an official transcript mailed directly from the office of the school previously attended will be required. A report card or transfer papers from the previous school attended may be used for temporary class placement.
Students transferring into a Biloxi school from a non-accredited school or home schooling must be given appropriate placement tests (grades K-8) and term tests (grades 9 - 12) as determined by school officials. (See "Awarding of Academic Credit.")
The student’s Social Security number is required.
In accordance with Section 63-1-10, Mississippi Code of 1972, as amended, any applicant for a driver's license less than eighteen years of age must submit with his or her license application documentation from the appropriate school authority that the applicant is a full-time student in the Biloxi Schools. These forms can be obtained in the attendance office. The student should fill out the top of the form, Name, Address, Date of Birth, Age, Social Security Number, and the Name of School being attended. This must be printed in ink. The form will then be verified for school attendance, signed by the principal's designee and notarized.
Students who have been home schooled and who seek placement in a Biloxi school will take the necessary term tests or placement tests in all appropriate subject areas to determine assignment to classes. (See "Awarding of Academic Credit.") For information, call Dr. Paul Tisdale at 374-1810.
REQUIREMENTS
As a result of the Residency Verification Procedure adopted as a policy of the Mississippi Board of Education on April 20, 1990, each parent or legal guardian or other adult with whom a student lives must provide to the school administration the following documents:
1. A copy of two of the following items of verification of residence. No post office box address will be acceptable. These items must reflect a street address or designated road address. All documents must be for present residence only; documents for rental or other commercial property will not be acceptable. Motel/hotel addresses will not be acceptable.
a. Filed Homestead Exemption Application form
b. Mortgage documents or property deed
c. Apartment or home lease
d. Utility bills
e. Affidavit of residence and/or personal visit by designated school district official at district option
f. Any other documentation that in the determination of the School Board will objectively and unequivocally establish that the parent or guardian resides within the school district
g. Housing assignment from Keesler Air Force Base Housing Authority
2. If you are the legal guardian of the student, you must also provide a copy of the court order signed by a judge appointing you as guardian.
NOTE: Any legal guardianship formed for the purpose of establishing residency for school district purposes shall not be recognized by the Board. (Legal reference: Mississippi Code Ann. Section 37-15-31, 1989 Supplement.)
3. If you fail to provide the necessary documentation, your children will not be allowed to attend schools in the Biloxi Public School District. If you cannot meet the requirements for residency, you must meet with the superintendent or his designee to determine whether your children will be eligible for enrollment. No temporary enrollment will be processed.
4. If the Biloxi Public School District receives a complaint regarding the residence of a student, the district is required to take action to further verify residence, including but not limited to follow-up visits to the resident's address by school officials.
It is the parent's/guardian's responsibility to provide accurate and current telephone numbers which will permit school personnel to reach a responsible adult at all times. If a parent/guardian fails to provide current working phone numbers, the student(s) will be placed in parent care. The school must be informed of any changes in telephone numbers and addresses. Parents/guardians are advised that if a responsible adult cannot be reached after good faith efforts by school personnel, Harrison County Social Services and/or the Biloxi Police Department will be contacted.
IMMUNIZATIONS AND VACCINATIONS
It is unlawful for any child to attend school without first being vaccinated with at least one dose of diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus, red measles, rubella, and polio vaccine and completing the entire series within ninety (90) days. Every student in Kindergarten through Grade 12 must present a certificate of immunization compliance from his/her doctor or from the health department. This certificate of compliance must be presented in order to attend school, even though all shot records are now up-to-date on school records.
In order to secure this certificate of compliance, it will be necessary for the student to go to the Harrison County Health Department, the office of his/her family physician, or Keesler Hospital (for military dependents), taking with him/her all official shot records. Before a child can register, the CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE must be presented. The validation of this certificate will become a permanent part of the student's records and will be valid through grade 12. REMEMBER: No student may register or attend school until this certificate of compliance has been received by the school. If the doctor signs the certificate indicating that other doses are necessary, the student will be given ninety (90) days to complete the required immunizations; if they are not completed at the end of ninety (90) days, the child by law must be suspended until compliance is achieved.
DISEASE EXCLUSION FROM SCHOOL
Chicken Pox 7 days after eruption appears
or until vesicles become dry
German Measles 4 days after onset of rash
Red Measles 7 to 10 days after onset of rash
Mumps 9 days after glands swell
Hepatitis Clearance by Physician
Mononucleosis Clearance by Physician
Conjunctivitis (Pink eye) Until under proper treatment
Impetigo Until under proper treatment
Pediculosis (Lice) Until nits are gone
Ringworm Until under proper treatment
Scabies Until under proper treatment
NOTE: The principal may require a written note from the student's family doctor or
public health department for a student returning to school after having a
communicable or infectious disease.
SECONDARY (Grades 10-12)
The Biloxi Public School District supports the philosophy that the instructional program is the most vital part of formal education. Experience has shown that a high quality of work is virtually impossible with irregular attendance; therefore, students are expected to attend school at all times when school is in session.
School attendance is considered an important responsibility of the student and parents. The parents/legal guardians must contact the school before 9:00 a.m. on each day the student is absent from class. The pupil accounting office phone number is 435-2751 or 435-2752.
In cases of unreported absences, the pupil accounting office will attempt to contact the parent, or the student will bring a note to pupil accounting by 7:10 a.m. from his/her parent/guardian on the day the student returns to school, stating the specific reason for absence and including phone number so that the absence can be verified.
A student shall not be allowed more than six (6) unlawful absences per class period during a semester.
The following reasons for absences are lawful: doctor’s or dentist’s appointments, documented legal reason, death or serious illness in the immediate family, observance of religious event, injury or physical illness, and authorized school activity. Acceptable written documentation will be required and will be subject to approval by the principal or his/her designee, who may require additional substantiation or verification.
Acceptable written documentation for absences described above must be provided to the pupil accounting office immediately upon the student’s return to school.
After the third unlawful absence per class period in a semester, a letter will be sent to parents/guardians to inform them of the student’s absences.
On the fifth unlawful absence per class period in a semester, a letter will be sent to the Mississippi Office of Compulsory School Attendance and Enforcement.
All daily work that was missed as a result of an either lawful or unlawful absence must be made up no later than ten (10) school days following the student’s return to school and completed in cooperation with the teacher. No student is automatically given a ten-day (10-day) period before making up work. A student will receive a zero (0) on classroom work, other graded work, or tests not made up.
Tests that were missed as a result of an absence will be made up in accordance with the district’s make-up schedule listed in this handbook.
Students under the age of seventeen (17) are required to attend school on a regular basis under the Mississippi Compulsory Attendance Law.
Biloxi High School does not recognize or condone "skip days." Parents of students who are absent during a skip day may be contacted, and skip-day-related absences will be in violation of School Board policy on attendance.
In order to be counted present, a student must be in attendance for at least half of the class period. In order to participate in any extracurricular function, students must attend school a minimum of four (4) periods on the day of the activity.
Student absences resulting from officially approved school business will not be counted; however, accreditation standards must be adhered to in regard to student activities.
A parent/guardian who fails to attend a conference on absences or provide proof of lawful absences shall be reported to the Mississippi Office of Compulsory School Attendance and Enforcement.
The practice of being prompt is considered by Biloxi High School to be an acquired habit which enhances students' ability to succeed in adult life. Students who are not in the classroom and involved in the instructional process cannot achieve at the same level as the student who is present and involved. In addition, students who are tardy disrupt the instructional process for all other students in the class. Tardiness, both to school in the morning and to classes, will be considered as harmful to the instructional process. Each incident (as determined under the cumulative record kept by the attendance office for each term) will result in a negative consequence as listed below.
Tardy Policy (Per Nine-Week Term)
Excessive absences, tardies, and early check-outs will be reported to the attendance officer for referral to Family Court.
First Tardy - Warning to student
Second Tardy - Teacher intervention
Third Tardy - Contact parent
Fourth Tardy - After-school detention (If the student does not
report for after-school detention, he/she will
automatically be placed on Step 3 of the Discipline
Ladder.)
Fifth Tardy - Parent care (See definition of parent care in
and all DISCIPLINE-GENERAL INFORMATION section
succeeding tardies of handbook.)
PROCEDURES FOR PLACEMENT
The Homebound Program is an instructional program for students who because of severe disabilities or chronic illnesses are unable to attend school for extended, long-term periods or for other reasons as approved by the Board of Trustees for the education of students not in the normal academic program. Only the superintendent, his/her designee, or the Board of Trustees may determine the student's eligibility for homebound services. No principal or teacher or any other staff person shall have the authority to place a student in the Homebound Program. Applications for homebound services are in the principal’s office.
MAKE-UP SCHEDULE FOR TESTS AND CLASSROOM
ASSIGNMENTS MISSED BECAUSE OF ABSENCES
Monday - Social Studies
Tuesday - English
Wednesday - Mathematics
Thursday - Science
Friday - Other Subjects/alternate make-up day
A student residing in the Biloxi Public School District at the beginning of the school year who is not attending another school and who enrolls after the first day of the school year in the Biloxi Public Schools must make up all work missed because of late enrollment. If a student resides in the Biloxi Public School District and enrolls after the beginning date of the school year, days missed because of late enrollment will be counted as absences. Failure to make up work missed will be cause for withholding credit for the term's work. All make-up work due to late enrollment must be completed by the end of the current term.
Grade Levels 10-12
In order to provide for the best welfare of each student and the school, the following check-out policy has been adopted:
When a student becomes ill or an emergency arises during the regular school day which may warrant early dismissal, the student must report to the pupil accounting office. Before the student will be allowed to leave school, the student's parent or legal guardian must be contacted by telephone or the parent, legal guardian, or person authorized by the parent must come to the
school to sign the student out. The pupil accounting director and/or the school administration will reserve the option to release a student from school if the student's parents cannot be contacted.
A student may be released for a doctor's appointment, dental appointment, or other just reason when the parent, legal guardian, or person authorized by the parent comes to the school and signs the student out or sends a note to the pupil accounting office stating the reason for check-out. This note must include the check-out time and a telephone number where the parent can be contacted and should be on file no later than 7:10 a.m. on the day of check-out. If the note cannot be verified, the school reserves the right to refuse release of the student.
1. The principal may release Biloxi Public Schools education reports or records when an official written request is received from the school district to which the student is transferred.
2. A parent or legal guardian has the right to review his/her child's school records.
3. A student leaving the Biloxi system may obtain a record of the student's work to date for the current term. Reports may be held if the student has any indebtedness to the school (lunchroom, workbooks, library, textbooks, damages, etc.).
In-District: A student who moves from one school zone to another in the Biloxi Public School District may be permitted to continue attendance in his/her present school only until the end of the current nine-week term. Transportation must be provided by the student's parent/guardian.
Out-of-District: All students enrolled in the Biloxi Public Schools after the beginning of the school session who move outside the district at any time during the school year must withdraw from the Biloxi Public Schools within five (5) school days or apply for tuition status with prepayment of tuition fees. The request for tuition status must be approved by the Board of Trustees at its next regularly scheduled meeting.
Any student who moves during the school year must record the change of address with the principal in the main office. Any change of telephone number must be corrected in the same manner. In order to be able to contact or locate parents/guardians in a timely manner, it is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to be sure that addresses and telephone numbers on student locator cards are accurate and up-to-date. (Also see page 11, "Contacting Parents.")
In grades K-12, if a student withdraws during the last two weeks of the school year and moves out of the district, the student will receive grades in progress to be presented to his/her new school. The school to which the student is transferring will have the option of accepting the grades in progress as the student's final grade or--for students in grades 9-12--requesting examinations from the Biloxi schools. The examinations may be mailed to the student's new school upon written request of the school to which the student is transferring. Examinations, when completed, will be checked by Biloxi school personnel and credit will be given by the Biloxi Public Schools. No examinations will be given ahead of time. School officials should be notified one school day prior to the withdrawal of any student. A parent must come to the principal's office and officially withdraw the student. All books and fines must be cleared before official withdrawal is completed and the academic record is cleared.
The Biloxi Public School District is in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1962, including regulations in vocational education, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974.
District's policy assures that no one shall, on the grounds of race, color, age, religion, national origin, sex, or handicap, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination in any program or activity of the school. The vocational department encourages males and females to enroll in nontraditional classes and to train for nontraditional jobs. Copies of the Title IX policy of the Educational Amendments of 1972 and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 are available in the principal's office in each school building upon request.
The name and address of the local Title IX Coordinator is Dr. Robert Bowles, P.O. Box 168, 160 St. Peters Avenue, Biloxi, MS 39533; telephone 374-1810. It is the policy of the Biloxi Public School District not to discriminate against any otherwise qualified individual with disability, solely by reason of his/her disability, in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, any program or activity sponsored by this school corporation.
Inquiries regarding compliance with this policy should be directed to the Section 504/ADA Coordinator or to the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, Washington, D.C.
The name and address of the Coordinator of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is Dr. Robert Bowles, P.O. Box 168, 160 St. Peters Avenue, Biloxi, MS 39533; telephone 374-1810.
FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT OF 1974
1. Parent(s) or eligible student may request, in writing to the principal, an appointment to inspect and review contents of the student's educational records. Appointment must be granted within forty-five (45) days of request.
Parent(s) or eligible student may request, in writing to the principal, that a school correct records believed to be inaccurate or misleading. If the school refuses to change the records, the parent(s) or eligible student may request, in writing to the principal, a formal hearing. After the hearing, if the school still refuses the correction, the parent(s) or eligible student has the right to put a note in the record explaining his or her concerns.
Parent(s) or eligible student may review the student's record on request. One copy of a student’s permanent record may be provided to a parent/guardian at no charge. All other materials in the student's cumulative folder may be copied for $3.00 per page.
4. Educational records may not be released to a third party without the written consent of parent(s) or the eligible student. The following exceptions are legal:
a. School employees
b. Other schools to which a student is transferring
c. State or federal officials for audit purposes or for reporting information required by state statute
d. Financial aid officials in connection with a student's application for aid
e. Educational agencies for developing, validating, and administering predictive tests or studies if such information will not permit identification of individual students
f. Appropriate persons who need information to protect health and safety of students
g. Parents of a student over eighteen (18) who is still a dependent
5. A record of individuals requesting access to the educational record of each student will be maintained in each school building. The record will contain the signature, the date, and the reasons for needing access and will be available for parents' review upon request.
6. Student records are at the following locations:
Type of Record Location Custodian
Cumulative School Elementary School School Principal
Records Principal's Office
Junior High School School Principal
Principal's Office
High School School Principal
Principal's Office
Psychological Records Michel Junior High Coordinator of
Special Education Special Ed.
Parent(s) or eligible student may request, in writing within thirty (30) days of the first official school day of the year, that identifiable information regarding the student be deleted from school publications.
Directory information which identifies students may be released unless the principal is requested by the parent/guardian not to do so. Requests from colleges, military organizations, prospective employers, and other legitimate groups may be honored when it is determined to be in the child's best interests.
Parent/Guardians: You have a right to receive free of charge one copy of your child’s permanent record. This right is yours whether you are the custodial parent or not. The District encourages all parents to take an active role in their children’s education, whether or not you are the custodial parent. In the event you are not the custodial parent and wish to receive report cards sent directly to you, please contact the principal in your child’s school. The principal may request that you provide a self-addressed envelope to ensure that the school has the correct address. Persons other than parents/guardians may not receive information regarding a student except in limited circumstances. For a copy of the complete text of the Privacy Act please contact Dr. Robert Bowles, Deputy Superintendent, in the District Administration offices. In addition to the rights set forth in the student handbook, you have a right to request in writing an amendment of your child’s records to ensure they are correct and do not violate the student’s right to privacy. In the event you have a question or concern about student records or the law, please contact the Deputy Superintendent’s office at 374-1810. The Privacy Act also provides a right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education under Section 99.64 of the Privacy Act if the District has failed to comply with the requirements of the Act.
A graduating senior will be furnished two transcripts of his/her credits without cost at the time of graduation. Additional transcripts will be furnished for a fee of $3.00 each. If transcripts must be mailed by the school, an additional fee of $1.00 per copy will be charged.
The custodial parent must provide the school office with a current copy of the court decree, order, or petition, signed by a judge, stating that the parent has legal custody of this child. The Biloxi Public Schools will be responsible for issuing report cards, progress reports, and other necessary reports only to the custodial parent (defined as the parent with whom the student resides during the school year). Copies of report cards will be given to non-custodial parents upon written request to the principal.
The District recognizes a student’s right to free speech provided it is exercised in a manner which is not prohibited by law nor disrupts the educational process.
Breakfasts and lunches are served each day in all Biloxi schools. Prices for breakfasts and lunches will be subject to change during the school year.
Free and reduced price breakfasts and lunches are available for those who apply and qualify.
Milk may be purchased by any student in the cafeteria.
All students must remain at school during the lunch period unless signed out by parents or legal guardians on a daily basis.
Students will not take food out of the designated areas. Students who bring their lunches to school may eat in the cafeteria or in other approved areas. (Approved areas are cafeteria and courtyards.) Students shall not bring glass containers to school.
In compliance with Federal (USDA) guidelines, commercially prepared competitive food and drink items will not be distributed or sold one hour prior to or during the lunch period and will not be taken into the cafeteria during lunch.
No credit will be extended for breakfasts or lunches.
The system used in identifying student meal status will be the number system. The concept of the number system requires that all students be assigned a certain coded number for the school year enabling each student to eat breakfast and lunch in the school cafeteria.
Students may pay in advance for daily meals at a place and at times designated by the principal for this purpose. Students may also pay in advance on a weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly basis.
In accordance with federal requirements, the "Offer vs. Serve" policy is in effect for all high school students. This allows the student to select any three of the five food items offered on the menu. Students must choose at least three of the five components offered; however, selecting only three or four items does not relieve the student from paying the full price of the meal.
Misconduct in the cafeteria will result in appropriate placement on the disciplinary ladder.
APPEARANCE OF BUILDINGS AND CAMPUS
Taking pride in one's surroundings is good training in citizenship. The school buildings and the campus can be kept attractive with the cooperation of students and all school personnel. Trash and empty paper cups should be deposited in containers, and rest rooms should be kept clean.
PURCHASES
A purchase order signed by the purchasing agent will be used whenever purchases for school purposes are made by any club, individual, class, or staff member. Prior approval by means of a requisition approved by the principal and the appropriate administrator designated by the Superintendent is required before a purchase order is issued.
Requisitions for school purchases must be originated by authorized staff members. Purchases made without an approved purchase order will become the personal obligation of the purchaser.
LEAVING CLASS - TELEPHONE
At no time during class hours are students to be in halls without hall passes. Students will be called from class only in cases of emergency as determined by school officials. School telephones are for school business only, and students will not be permitted to use school telephones except in cases of illness or emergency.
PARENT-TEACHER ASSOCIATIONS
Close cooperation between home and school is fostered by the Parent-Teacher Associations which are active in every Biloxi school. Parents are encouraged to join the P.T.A. and to attend meetings.
FLORAL DELIVERIES/GIFTS, ETC.
If floral arrangements or other gifts are delivered to the school, they will not be accepted.
INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAM
ACCREDITATION
All Biloxi schools hold advanced level 5.0 accreditation by the Mississippi Commission on School Accreditation. The high school is a member in good standing of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, a regional accrediting commission.
Biloxi High School holds membership in the National College Boards.
Textbooks are supplied by the school at no cost to the student on a loan basis. The school district will purchase a classroom set of textbooks for each class in grades 7-12. The textbooks assigned to students will remain at the student's home for use during the school year, to be returned upon withdrawal or at the end of the school year. It will no longer be necessary for students to bring books to school or to take them home. If textbooks are not returned or paid for, grades will be withheld, and students may not be allowed to register for attendance during the coming school year.
In cases where books are lost or damaged to a degree that will prevent further use, the student will be charged as established under district policy.
GRADES
A 95-100
B 85-94
C 75-84
D 70-74
F BELOW 70
I Incomplete
Excellent, Satisfactory, Needs Improvement, or
Unsatisfactory
will be recorded in all grades (9-12) for student behavior.
At mid-term during each nine-week term the teacher or team will inform the parents of the academic work of all students. This is done by way of a progress report. In addition, if a student is later identified as a possible or probable failure, the parent will be informed through a second progress report at least one week prior to term tests. Students in all schools will sign for the progress report and it will be their responsibility to discuss the report with their parents. Teachers in grades 10-12, at their discretion, may require the progress reports to be signed by a parent and returned. Parents who wish to receive progress reports more frequently may contact the student's counselor; furthermore, parents may request in writing that progress reports be mailed.
Report cards will be issued following the end of each nine-week term. Grades will be recorded for both academic work and school behavior. Grades will be awarded on the basis of student performance.
A. The Biloxi Public Schools will accept transfer students and award credit for grades earned during the school year if the student is enrolled in the Biloxi schools for at least twenty (20) school days. A student enrolled in a Biloxi school for less than twenty (20) school days will receive an Incomplete grade, except for those students transferring into the Biloxi school system whose grades in progress at a previous school are sent to the principal's office. Grades in progress will be averaged with grades received while in attendance in the Biloxi Public Schools.
B. Students with excessive absences who do not pass administrative review will not receive credit for the course in which excessive absences occurred.
C. A student withdrawing from school prior to the last day of the grading period will not receive a final grade, but will receive grades in progress for that term. (See "Withdrawals.")
D. Examinations will not be administered prior to the regularly scheduled time.
E. Nine-week term examinations account for 1/5 (20%) of a student’s term grade.
F. In order for students to receive term, semester, or yearly grades, all course or grade level requirements must be met.
G. Parents should be aware of dates when report cards will be issued. Parents should expect students to have their report cards on dates as noted in the school calendar (on the back of this handbook).
H. Parents are required to pick up report cards from their children's schools for Term II (see calendar on back of handbook).
Academic credit for courses taken by students in the Biloxi Public Schools shall be awarded upon successful completion of courses.
Credit for high school courses will be awarded in half-units, full units, or multiple units as approved in the latest edition of Bulletin 171 of the Commission on School Accreditation, State Department of Education.
In grades 9-12, the student must complete both semesters for a full year (two-semester) course with a yearly passing average of 70 or higher in order to receive any credit for that course. It is not necessary to pass each semester as long as the year-end average is 70 or higher.
A semester of a different course cannot be substituted, whether through the regular program or through summer school or correspondence.
No student may receive a score higher than 100 or lower than 50 on his/her report card. Grades in accelerated and AP classes are weighted and these calculated grades are taken into account for class rank purposes only. (See "Class Rankings/Scholastic Averages.")
A student who does not complete a class in its entirety will receive a fifty (50) F. A grade recorded as NC (No Credit) will be counted as 50 in computing scholastic averages and class rank.
Once credit has been awarded based on yearly average for one (1) or two (2) unit courses or final semester averages for half-unit courses, the course cannot be repeated simply to raise scholastic averages or class ranks through changing the original grade. If such a course is repeated, both the original grade and the grade for the repeated course will be included in academic records and in determining class rank or scholastic average.
The Biloxi Public Schools will recognize and honor courses taken at other accredited schools if courses are recorded on the permanent record or transcript, but in the matter of required courses, students shall meet all regulations governing graduation requirements for Biloxi High School. Transfer students who enroll in the Biloxi schools for less than twenty (20) school days must arrange for credit through their previous schools.
Students transferring into a Biloxi school from a non-accredited school and/or home schooling must be given achievement tests and/or four (4) term tests in each subject for which a Carnegie unit of credit is awarded.
Students who transfer to a Biloxi school who have previously received credit in a course and who are required to enroll in the class in Biloxi for No Credit will be listed in computer programs and in academic records as "Audit," with such "Audit" courses not to be included in determining scholastic averages or class rank.
In order to receive a diploma from Biloxi High School, a student must have attended Biloxi High for a minimum of one (1) full semester, be enrolled in seven (7) classes, must meet all grade and graduation requirements as specified in district policy, and must earn at least two (2) of the last four (4) units of credit in residence at Biloxi High School. Two (2) units of credit is interpreted as a semester of work. Attendance in summer school will not be counted toward this requirement.
Eighth graders who successfully complete Computer Discovery and/or Algebra I will receive one (1) Carnegie unit of credit for each course, and grades in these subjects will be included in computing scholastic averages and class rankings.
In order to graduate with honors or highest honors from Biloxi High School, a transfer student must have attended Biloxi High School for his/her entire senior year and must be enrolled in seven (7) subjects.
Online Instruction for Credit – Students enrolled at Biloxi High School or the Center for New Opportunities may be permitted to earn credits for courses (not passed previously) through web-based online instruction. The district contracts with Nova Net for such online instruction, and credits earned through Nova Net will apply toward the number of credits required for graduation. The district reserves the right to charge a reasonable fee for such online instruction; furthermore, the district retains the option to discontinue this program in the event of insufficient enrollment or results. Online instruction may not be used to earn credits for Algebra I, English II, Biology, and U.S. History, because these courses are a component of the state assessment program.
Each student is responsible for completing required work without unauthorized assistance. The integrity of the grading and testing procedures must not be compromised, and any student who is determined to be guilty of cheating will receive a zero on graded work and will receive appropriate counseling and/or disciplinary action.
NOVANET ON-LINE CREDIT RECOVERY
The purpose of credit recovery is to permit those students enrolled at Biloxi High School, who desire to graduate at the end of the current school year, the opportunity to recover credits through on-line instruction.
Credit recovery is defined as the successful completion of coursework, not completed previously with a passing mark, offered through on-line instruction over the internet.
Classes are scheduled through the Career Center after written permission for credit recovery has been obtained from the student's counselor and the school principal.
More than one course may be taken during the school year but only one course may be taken at a time; that is, before the student may enroll for a second credit recovery course, the first credit recovery course must have been completed.
All testing associated with on-line instruction is conducted in the presence of instructional personnel designated by the school principal.
Courses taken for the purpose of credit recovery must be successfully completed by May 1st of the current school year. Credit recovery is not available during the summer.
Course fees are payable at the time when the student registers for the course. Refunds are not permitted once the student begins on-line instruction. Payment in full is required before the student may begin instruction.
Students must have at least 15 credits and be enrolled in Biloxi High School. (Gr. 8 = 1 or 2 credits, Gr. 9 = 7 credits, Gr. 10 = 7 credits…Total of 15 credits)
Must be a course taken previously but not passed, for purpose of credit recovery. This may change if the state permits on-line credit accrual. If credit accrual is approved, the course taken must be listed in "Approved Courses for the Secondary Schools of Mississippi."
On-line testing associated with NovaNet courses will be conducted during the school year in the Career Center at Biloxi High School from 2:30-3:30 on days determined by the Career Center teacher.
Classes are scheduled through the Career Center teacher after approval by the student's counselor. If NovaNet courses are taken during the summer, student testing associated with the NovaNet course must be proctored by high school administrators or counselors at a time determined by the administrator/counselor. All seniors who plan to graduate at the end of the current school year who plan to take NovaNet courses must complete the courses by May 1st.
TRANSFER GRADES
Students transferring to Biloxi High School with only letter grades will be assigned the following numerical grades:
A - 95
B - 85
C - 75
D - 70
F - Below 70 (not to be assigned below 65)
Letter grades may be converted to number grades as recorded by the transfer student's previous school if an official notice regarding the grades is received by Biloxi High School within six weeks after enrollment.
ACCELERATED CLASSES
In order to enroll in an accelerated class, a student in grades 9-12 must have a 90 average or higher for the preceding year for the accelerated subject area in which he/she requests enrollment and a score of 70 NCE or higher on a state standardized test in the subject area.
HONOR ROLL - GRADES 10-12
To qualify for term or semester honor roll, a student must have a 90 average on his/her report card for each subject in which he/she is enrolled for either one-half or one full credit. To qualify for term or semester special honor roll, a student must have a 95 average in each subject in which he/she is enrolled for either one-half or one full credit. (Students should bring their report cards to the office to sign up for honor roll.)
CLASS RANKINGS - GRADES 9-12
Senior class rankings will be computed to determine students graduating with special honors (average of 95 or higher, grades nine through twelve inclusive); honors (average of 90 or higher, grades nine through twelve inclusive); and all other matters requiring the listing of class standing, including scholarship applications, college applications, etc. Computation of scholastic averages will include all courses in which the student was enrolled in grades nine through twelve for both one-half credit and one full credit per course.
The procedure for determining class rank is as follows:
Scholastic averages are computed for grades 9-12, with each semester grade being counted once.
All grades are averaged based upon the following pattern:
Three-period classes are counted three times per semester.
Two-period classes are counted two times each semester.
One-period classes are counted one time each semester.
Grades for students enrolled in Accelerated and Advanced Placement classes will be weighted under the following formula: 3% will be added to Accelerated grades and 5% to Advanced Placement grades. Actual numerical grades will not be changed on permanent records; only class rank will be affected. Example: Accelerated grade of 86 x 1.03 = 88.5800; AP grade of 86 x 1.05 = 90.3000.
Students enrolled in AP courses are strongly encouraged to take the advanced placement test and must do so at their own expense.
All grades are averaged and carried out four decimal points (example: 78.0001).
Students graduating with highest honors and with honors are listed by rank, with the remaining class members to be listed alphabetically.
Class rankings and scholastic averages will be computed based on grades when credit is awarded as determined by final yearly averages for one (1), two (2), and two and one-half (2-1/2) unit courses and final semester averages for one-half unit courses.
For scholarship or college applications, etc., students who request class ranks or scholastic averages at any time prior to computation of official rankings and scholastic averages at the end of the senior year may be given a "rank/scholastic average in progress." Such rank or scholastic average will be subject to change when credit is awarded and official rankings and scholastic averages are completed.
To be included in the list of students ranked for scholastic honors and scholastic recognition, a student must attend Biloxi High school for his/her entire senior year and must be enrolled in seven (7) subjects. Students whose course grades are recorded only as "Pass/Fail" for more than one school year in grades 9-12 shall not be included in computing class rankings.
In computing scholastic averages and class rankings, a grade recorded as NC (No Credit) will be counted as 50.
When offered, summer school usually begins in the first week after graduation.
A fee for each unit (course) is charged. Only one (1) unit (course) may be earned in summer school. If necessary, a student may enroll for only one semester. Summer school classes include 145 hours of instruction.
The purposes of summer school are to make up incompletes or to make up failures.
Rules and procedures for summer school are set by the administration.
CORRESPONDENCE COURSES
See Program of Studies, Grades 9-12.
FIELD TRIPS
As a part of the educational service of the school, students may be taken on field trips. Such trips are made only with the permission of the parent. When such trips are being planned, permission slips will be sent home to be signed by the parent. All field trips must be approved by the district administration and must be supervised by classroom teachers. No field trip will be conducted for the weeks of term tests, and all field trips must be concluded five (5) days prior to the week of term examinations. No field trip will be conducted during the last twenty (20) school days of the school year. Parents who volunteer to chaperone are not permitted to bring other children on field trips.
Field trip requests that require Board approval must be in the superintendent's office at least ten (10) days prior to the regular Board meeting.
MEDIA CENTER/LIBRARY
1. All pupils in the school are entitled to use the media center and check out
books if they present signed identification cards. Students with library
deficiencies or overdue books are not permitted to check out books.
2. Reference books, such as encyclopedias and dictionaries, are to be used
only in the media center.
3. Books on reserve may be borrowed for one period or after school, in
which case they must be returned the next morning before school starts.
4. Other books may be checked out for a period of two weeks.
5. The student must have the book with him/her when he/she wishes to
renew it.
6. Five cents per day is charged for each overdue book.
7. When a reserve book is not returned, the fine is twenty-five cents per half
day.
8. Students will pay for lost books and will pay fines on books that have
been damaged.
9. No book may be taken from the media center unless it is checked out to
the borrower.
10. The media center is open each school day before and after school and at
times set by the building principal. Students are urged to use the media
center regularly and to comply with the above regulations.
Students in the media center are subject to book check.
INTERNET ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY
The Biloxi Public School District provides access to the Internet for students, faculty and staff. Students must have permission from at least one of their parents and/or guardians to access the Internet at school.
The use of the Internet is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use will result in the cancellation of those privileges and/or disciplinary actions by the District. A student or employee’s use of the Internet must be in support of education and research, and consistent with the educational objectives of the Biloxi Public School District. In addition, the student or employee accessing the Internet from a school site is responsible for all online activities which take place through the use of his or her account. Neither students nor employees have the right of privacy when accessing the Internet through the District.
The following actions are unacceptable uses of the Internet:
using impolite, abusive, or otherwise objectionable language in either public or private messages
placing unlawful information on the Internet
using the Internet illegally in ways that violate federal, state or local laws or statutes
using the Internet for non-school related activities
accessing and using "chat rooms" or "newsgroups"
sending messages that are likely to result in the loss of the recipient’s work or systems
sending chain letters or pyramid schemes to lists of names or individuals, and any other type of use which would cause congestion of the Internet or otherwise interfere with the work of others
using the Internet for commercial purposes
using the Internet for political lobbying
changing any computer file that does not belong to the user
sending or receiving copyrighted materials without permission
knowingly giving one’s password to others
using another person’s password
using the Internet access for sending or retrieving pornographic materials, inappropriate text files, or files dangerous to the integrity of the network
circumventing security measures on school or remote computers or networks
attempting to gain access to another’s resources, programs or data
vandalizing, which is defined as any malicious attempt to harm or destroy data of another user on the Internet, and includes the uploading or creation of computer viruses
falsifying one’s identity to others while using the Internet
divulging personal information on the Internet about a student, employee, or any other individual, including yourself
providing information for mailing lists
using personal disks or software on the computer without permission from the school library/media center and/or supervising teacher
downloading large files or sending mass e-mails which would tie up the lines without permission of the school library/media center and/or supervising teacher
using annoying or harassing behavior on the Internet such as using the talk or write functions, sending unwanted mail, or making sexist or racist remarks
physically abusing the computer or the software, and failing to keep the computer area neat and clean
failing to notify the school library/media center and/or supervising teacher of a potential leak in the security system on the District computers
buying, selling or promoting any other commercial activity on the Internet
distributing trade secrets on the Internet
failing to be properly trained before using the Internet
failing to log-in properly before using the Internet
doing any other activity which is deemed by the District to be inappropriate or objectionable because of the unique nature of the Internet
All terms and conditions as stated above are applicable to all users of the Internet. Violations of this policy may result in revocation of access to the Internet, discipline action, including suspension, expulsion, or termination of employment, loss of credit for work performed on the Internet, and possible civil or criminal action.
The Biloxi Public School District shall not be responsible for loss of data due to malfunction, delays or interruptions. Use of the Internet and the information obtained therefrom are all at the user’s risk.
Prior to obtaining an account number, all students must receive a copy of this policy and sign a student contract of use of the Internet.
GENERAL POLICIES REGARDING SELECTION OF SUBJECTS
The policies listed below will be followed by students, parents, and counselors in setting up the students' programs:
1. Students will be permitted to receive through the regular day program a maximum of 7 units of credit toward graduation within any one school year (36 weeks).
All students attending Biloxi High School, other than those who are in vocational courses which offer two (2), two and one-half (2-1/2), or three (3) units of credit, must schedule seven (7) subjects each school year, with the exception of fifth-year seniors.
3. A student can complete the full two-year vocational course beginning in the eleventh grade; seniors are generally not accepted for only one year of an Industrial Vocational Trades program.
4. A maximum of one (1) unit may be earned during one (1) summer session.
5. Arrangements may be made for each student to meet with a guidance counselor/advisor to set up his/her program of studies and sign the Biloxi Public Schools scheduling form, which is to be taken home for parent approval and signature.
The Program of Studies explains in detail the requirements and opportunities for Biloxi students as they make their educational plans and career choices. It is important that all students make proper subject selections in the spring. Computer scheduling is completed during the summer, and the only schedule changes which should be made in the fall are those resulting from clerical error.
Exemption is a privilege, not a right. As an incentive for good attendance for all students, those students who meet the following requirements may be exempt from nine-week term tests. This is a program designed to improve attendance and decrease tardies. Unless significant improvement occurs in these areas, the former examination and senior exemption policy will be reinstated, and alternative plans will be considered.
NOTE: ABSENCES and TARDIES as specified below refer to classes for which the student requests exemption from term test.
ABSENCES AND TARDIES as specified below refer to cumulative absences and tardies as recorded in pupil accounting.
95 average----------no more than 3 absences; no more than 4 tardies
85-94 average-------no more than 2 absences; no more than 3 tardies
75-84 average-------no more than 1 absence; no more than 2 tardies
1. Students may pick up an exemption request form in Pupil Accounting two days before term examinations are to begin. The form will be returned to Pupil Accounting if the requirements are met.
2. Each exemption will be determined on an individual class basis (see note about absences and cumulative tardies above).
3. Students will not be counted absent under the attendance policy from classes in which they are exempt.
4. Term report card grades for students who are exempt under this policy will be the daily average. Semester grades shall be the average of term grades for the two nine-week terms of the semester.
5. In Term IV, a senior who is scheduled to graduate at the end of Semester II and who is passing a course with at least a 70 average for both Term IV and Semester II will be exempt from the Term IV final examination in that course. Seniors must not exceed semester absences allowed and/or have five (5) or more tardies.
6. Final examinations shall not be given early. A student who leaves school prior to taking his/her final examinations for term or semester shall be given grades in progress.
7. Students are not eligible for exemptions during the period of suspension and probation if they are placed on Steps 5, 6, or 7 of the Discipline Ladder.
8. To be exempt, a student shall not have any outstanding deficiencies, such as textbook or library fines, or fines from any teacher.
9. Any student not exempt will be required to take the nine-week term exam.
Any student who cannot provide written documentation regarding his/her absence from a regularly scheduled nine-week term examination will receive a zero (0) for that exam.
HOMEWORK
The Board of Trustees recognizes the value of purposeful, well-planned, and properly motivated home assignments that are (1) appropriate to the grade level, age, and abilities of the student; (2) designed to stimulate initiative and independence or to reinforce and enrich classroom instruction; (3) in complete accord with the goals established for the development of the school curriculum; (4) carefully planned so that home assignments are not so lengthy as to be self-defeating nor so complicated as to require assistance or resource materials not available to the student; and (5) an extension of classwork that has already been introduced.
As in the assignment of in-school work, homework assignments must be left to the sound professional judgment of the teacher, who will be expected to interpret the needs and assess the abilities and interests of each student.
CLASSIFICATION/PROMOTION/RETENTION POLICY
GRADES 9-12
To be classified as a sophomore, one must have successfully completed four (4) of the required subjects in grade 9; to be classified as a junior, one must have thirteen (13) units of credit; and to be classified as a senior, one must have eighteen (18) units of credit.
No student shall be given a Carnegie unit of credit for any course in which the student has not achieved objectives as outlined by the State Board of Education in state curricula and adopted by the School Board of the Biloxi Public School District. (See "Academic Credit," page 22, regarding guidelines governing yearly averages.)
| 9th Grade Entering Year Expected Graduation Year |
1998-99
2001-02 |
1999-00
2002-03 |
2000-01
2003-04 |
2001-02
2004-05 |
||||||
| Academic Area | Course Requirements |
|||||||||
English |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
||||||
Mathematics |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
||||||
| (Pre-Algebra, Algebra I, Geometry) |
(Pre-Algebra, Algebra I, Geometry) |
(Pre-Algebra, Algebra I, Geometry) |
(Pre-Algebra, Algebra I, Geometry) |
|||||||
Science |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
||||||
(Biology and |
(Biology and |
(Biology and |
Biology and |
|||||||
Social Studies |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
||||||
(Geography |
(Geography |
Geography |
Geography |
|||||||
Comprehensive Health |
½ |
½ |
½ |
½ |
||||||
Computer Discovery (8)/ Keyboarding |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
||||||
Technology Discovery (9) |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
||||||
The Arts |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
||||||
Electives |
8 ½ |
8 ½ |
8 ½ |
8 ½ |
||||||
Total Credits |
26 |
26 |
26 |
26 |
||||||
* For further information regarding graduation requirements, see the Biloxi School
District Program of Studies.
In order to graduate from Biloxi High School, a student must earn the minimum number of units as outlined in the Program of Studies.
In order to take part in the graduation ceremonies, a student must attend the graduation practices as set up by the principal and class sponsors.
Misbehavior in the final term of school by a senior may result in the denial of participation in the commencement exercises, the denial of senior privileges, or other punishment deemed appropriate by the administration.
Special Education students enrolled in a regular diploma program must meet the following requirements:
Graduation must be based on Carnegie units as stated in The Program of Studies of Biloxi Public Schools.
Carnegie units must be earned in a regular education program under the supervision of a teacher properly certified in the academic area.
Students must achieve satisfactory scores on the Functional Literacy Examination as required for all students graduating from the public schools of Mississippi.
Students in the Vocational Rehabilitation Program will be awarded certificates of completion from Biloxi High School upon the written recommendation and endorsement of the Special Education classroom teacher and the school principal. The decision will be based upon the student's completing the Special Education program as designed in the Individual Educational Plan (IEP).
All students will be required to pass the state's Functional Literacy Test. Students are required to take the test in their junior year. Students who fail the test (or portions of it) may retake the test in their senior year. The State Board of Education sets minimum qualifying scores each year.
SPECIAL EDUCATION (SPED) STUDENTS
RECOMMENDED GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
Option I: Regular High School Diploma
Graduation will be based on Carnegie unit requirements as specified for students receiving diplomas from the Biloxi Public Schools. Carnegie unit credit can be earned only in a regular education class.
SPED students must achieve satisfactory scores on the Functional Literacy Examination as established by the Mississippi Department of Education as follows:
"Qualifying scores on the Functional Literacy Examination are set at a composite scaled score of 699 for the three tests, or an average of 70 percent correct on each test. Pupils may score as low as scaled score 211 (60 percent correct) on any test, but make this up by scoring higher than scaled score 233 (70 percent correct) on the other test(s). Any pupil scoring below scaled score 211 (60 percent correct) on any test will fail that test, regardless of his/her total score. Pupils will, however, be allowed to 'bank' scaled scores of 233 (70 percent) or above for individual test areas. This means that once a pupil passes one or more tests of the Functional Literacy Examination, he/she will have to retake only those tests not passed."
A special education student must complete the requirements for the regular high school diploma by age twenty-one (21).
A special education student who completes all requirements for graduation as stated in the Policies and Procedures of the Biloxi Public Schools will be allowed to participate in graduation exercises and receive a regular high school diploma.
Option II: Certificate of Completion
This certificate is for SPED students who do not meet the district and/or state requirements for the regular high school diploma.
The certificate may be awarded after four (4) years of high school (grades 9-12) attendance, based on the decision of the child's parent(s) and concurrence of school officials.
The certificate must be awarded when the student reaches age twenty-one (21) and is no longer eligible to attend public high school.
A student must meet the attendance requirements of the Biloxi Public Schools as stated in the Policies and Procedures Manual. Further, the student must successfully complete the secondary curriculum for SPED students as provided in the student's Individual Education Plan.
e. Students who successfully complete these requirements will be awarded a Certificate of Completion which states, "This student has successfully completed an Individualized Education Program." Students eligible to receive the Certificate of Completion will be permitted to participate in graduation exercises.
Special Education for Children with Disabilities - A variety of programs in special education may be offered based on identified and approved student needs. Classes are provided for children with disabilities who have been evaluated and determined eligible for placement in a program. Students moving into the district should contact the Program Developer for Special Education for school assignment. These classes are provided in the Biloxi Public Schools under the direction of trained and certified teachers of exceptional children. Telephone 435-4600 for further information.
Educationally Disabled Programs - These programs are for the educable mentally retarded, specific learning disabilities, and developmentally delayed.
Hearing Impaired Programs- Special classes for students who have been determined to be Hearing Impaired by the appropriate screening team.
Gifted Education - Classes are provided for gifted students who meet eligibility requirements for placement in Gifted/Talented program in grades 2-8.
Language/Speech Disabled - Students screened eligible for Language/Speech therapy are provided therapy by qualified therapists.
Visually Impaired Classes - Special education for students with a verified visual disability is provided.
Physically Disabled Program - Students who manifest physical disabilities severe enough to require special programming to participate in regular school activities are served in this program.
Emotionally Disabled - Students who have been determined to be seriously emotionally disabled are served in this program.
Child Find Program - An ongoing project to locate, identify, evaluate, and appropriately place children with disabilities. Contact the Program Developer for Special Education for additional information.
Special Education Testing - Educational evaluations are provided for students at no expense to the parent(s), to determine the student's eligibility for placement in special education in the Biloxi Public School District. Referrals must be made through certified school personnel.
Guidance Services - Provided as part of the Biloxi Public Schools testing, counseling, and placement program.
GED Program - Enrollment is permitted in accordance with General Educational Development guidelines as administered by the state and with administrative approval. Call 436-5126 for additional information.
GED Testing - Persons interested in taking the GED test must complete application, have application notarized, and register at the GED office. Call 436-5126 for additional information.
HOSTS - A Title I program for students eligible under Title I guidelines in designated schools; literature-centered program.
School Nurses - Assigned to all schools on a less than full-time basis, offering health information and special health services for students who need them.
Homebound Program - For students who are required because of illness or accident to miss school for extended, long-term periods, as approved by the homebound coordinator, or for other reasons as approved by the Board of Trustees for the education of students not in the normal academic program.
English As A Second Language (ESL) Program - Ongoing program offered in grades K-12, to locate, identify, and assist eligible students.
Vocational Programs - Offered in Biloxi High School in the vocational complex on the high school campus; on-the-job training programs; vocational programs, special vocational counseling and testing programs.
Summer School Program - Offered if funds are available and teachers can be secured.
Accelerated Program - A program for academically promising students in grades 9-12.
Advanced Placement - Courses offering advanced placement for grades 11-12 are identified in the Program of Studies, with enrollment permitted only after individual counseling. Students are encouraged to take AP exam if they enroll in the class. AP English is a two-year course and substitutes for English III and English IV.
Partners in Education - Businesses and schools join to form a partnership for support and excellence.
Saturday Scholars - For students choosing to participate in enrichment activities offered by the district in cooperation with community businesses or resource persons.
Project Read - Project Read/Language Circle is a mainstream language arts program that includes reading decoding, reading comprehension, and written expression.
LANGUAGE! - is a structured sequential reading, writing, spelling and comprehension program for grades 2-12.
Elementary Peer Counselors (The Victor Team) - For students in grades 11-12 who qualify for class selection and enrollment. The counselors pledge to be "drug free" and present monthly drug prevention lessons to students in grades K-3.
Drug Prevention Education Program - A prevention program for students in grades K-12, funded by a grant through the Drug Free Schools Act of 1986 and supervised by the State Department of Education.
Mentoring Program - Volunteers are matched with designated students in grades K-12 to serve as mentors.
Accelerated Reader - K-9 - A task-based learning information system designed to increase students’ interest and achievement in reading. This computerized reading management system measures the quality, quantity, and level of reading and gives information back to students, teachers, and parents.
Crisis Intervention - Counseling and consultative services provided to a school or classroom in times of extreme emotional stress.
Teacher Assistance Teams - Committee of teachers working cooperatively to construct interventions for students experiencing significant academic or behavioral problems.
DUAL ENROLLMENT
Students may not enroll in college classes during the academic high school day. Students may enroll in community classes offered on BHS campus.
INSURANCE
School insurance is available at the beginning of each school year at a nominal cost to the student. Several plans are available at the option of the parent and student. All students participating in athletics or enrolled in welding, metal trades, auto-mechanics, building trades, body and fender shop, marine biology, and chemistry are required to have proof of insurance. Failure to provide proof of insurance or failure to sign the waiver form will require the removal of the student from the program or activity. The school district does not assume any responsibility for costs in connection with student accident or injury. Parents are encouraged to have or to purchase student insurance.
FIRST AID
The school attempts to provide an environment in which the child will be safe from accidents. If an accident occurs, first aid will be administered.
Home telephone numbers, business telephone numbers, and emergency telephone numbers must be furnished to the school.
Trained faculty and staff first aid specialists are available in each school.
EMERGENCY ACTION BY SCHOOL STAFF
School staff members faced with an emergency affecting the health and welfare of a student will exercise their best judgments as to procedures for handling the emergency, following established policy and procedural guidelines in every case in so far as possible. In the event that the parent or guardian cannot be reached, the school officials will act to safeguard the student in every reasonable way.
Because there are a number of school districts in Harrison County, parents and students need to be aware that announcements related to the dismissal or closing of the Biloxi Public Schools should not be confused with announcements related to the Harrison County Schools, which are in a separate district. Parents should listen to the local radio or television stations for announcements from the superintendent's office.
Schools are sometimes faced with emergencies which require the total cooperation of staff members and students. The Biloxi schools have made detailed plans for operating the schools under such emergency conditions as fire, tornado, flood, severe weather, explosions, and other disasters.
Fire drills and other disaster preparedness measures are a regular part of each school's program. Students are expected to learn the procedures to be followed under emergency conditions and to cooperate fully with the supervising teacher.
Detailed instructions for emergency operations will be outlined to all students at their respective schools.